A Bailey-type vehicular bridge connecting the center of Capira district in Panama West province with eight mountainous collapsed this Saturday afternoon under the weight of an articulated truck transporting grains. The driver of the vehicle was unharmed; however, he was taken to a medical center for evaluation. Capira Mayor Ket Yao said that there is a weight limit for heavy trucks at the site. He added that if it is confirmed that the truck driver ignored the limit, the company owning the vehicle will have to assume responsibility for the damages. He also said that on more than one occasion, he had alerted the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) about the poor condition of the bridge and the need for its replacement. With the collapse of this bridge, the districts in the northern area of Capira now have only one bridge for entry and exit. Residents of the area indicated that 20 years ago, the MOP propped up the base of the bridge with wooden posts. Juan Carlos Herrera, representative of the Villa Carmen district, said that the inspections carried out by the MOP always concluded that the bridge was in good condition. He also said that with the collapse of the bridge, it will be necessary to wait for what short-term solution the government will provide.
