Maybe it’s not QUITE finished: Hilarious moment new bridge collapses when dignitaries cut the ribbon in Congo – much to onlookers’ amusement!
- The bridge in Kinshasa was replacing a temporary structure which often broke
- Dignitaries gathered for the opening ceremony and stood on the new structure
- The moment the ribbon was cut, the bridge buckled and slumped into the stream
This is the hilarious moment a brand new Congolese bridge collapsed under the feet of sharply-suited dignitaries cutting the ribbon to unveil the structure.
The small bridge was built to help locals in Kinshasa’s Mont-Ngafula cross a river during the rainy season.
It was replacing a temporary structure which also used to break frequently during floods.
A brand new Congolese bridge collapsed under the feet of sharply-suited dignitaries cutting the ribbon to unveil the structure
The small bridge was built to help locals in Kinshasa’s Mont-Ngafula cross a river during the rainy season
Footage shows organisers gathered on the bridge during the opening ceremony.
But just as the moment the ribbon was cut, the bridge buckled, both its handrails broke off, and the central section slumped into the water a couple of yards below.
Spectators shouted in apparent glee as the VIPs struggled to get off the crumpled wreck.
Locals and soldiers were seen helping people to safety as others clambered to the river banks.
It was replacing a temporary structure which also used to break frequently during floods
Just as the moment the ribbon was cut, the bridge buckled, both its handrails broke off, and the central section slumped into the stream
Nobody was reported to have been hurt in the incident.
One of the last people to climb free was a man in military fatigues and dark glasses who was clutching an unopened bottle of champagne.
Some have joked online that the ribbon was the only thing holding the bridge together.
Locals and soldiers were seen helping people to safety as others clambered to the river banks