A bridge in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) collapsed as officials gathered to inaugurate it, according to the local Khaama Press news agency.
Videos of the accident are circulating on social media, where people mock the construction quality.
The small bridge was built to help locals cross a river during the rainy season. The news agency said in its report that the temporary structure that was there before the bridge used to break frequently.
One of the videos shows officials standing on the bridge to inaugurate it formally during an official event. The inauguration would have been complete with cutting a red ribbon tied at one end of the bridge.
But as soon as one of the delegates—a woman—took out scissors to cut the ribbon, the bridge succumbed to the officials’ pressure.
The video shows the female official seeking help and ready to jump to safety.
The security personnel immediately rush to the spot and drag the woman from the falling bridge.
The rest of the official delegation was left hanging, but fortunately did not fall to the ground. Others are immediately seen rushing to help the stranded officials.
The incident took place last week, according to iHarare. The bridge collapsed and broke into two.
“Don’t be surprised if the cost of this bridge is more than a million dollars of taxpayers’ money,” a user tweeted.
