World

Two die in French bridge collapse near Toulouse

November 19, 2019 10:47 am

Two vehicles fell into the River Tarn north of Toulouse when the bridge near the village of Mirepoix-sur-Tarn fell down.

A 15-year-old girl and a truck driver were killed when a suspension bridge collapsed in south-western France.

Two vehicles fell into the River Tarn north of Toulouse when the bridge near the village of Mirepoix-sur-Tarn fell down at around 08:00 (07:00 GMT).

Five people were also seriously injured including two rescuers and local people who had tried to save victims.

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An investigation has been opened. There has long been a concern at the state of the country’s bridges.

The girl was travelling in a car with her mother when the bridge collapsed, according to local authorities.

Her mother was dragged from the water by bystanders, Toulouse public prosecutor Dominique Alzeari said, but she herself perished.

A truck also fell into the river and the body of its driver was found during a day-long operation, involving helicopters and dozens of emergency services personnel.

First reports that a third vehicle – a van – also fell into the water now appear to be wrong.

Witnesses have told the BBC’s Chris Bockman in Toulouse that a school bus crossed less than a minute before the structure collapsed.