Bridge in Taiwan collapses, at least 10 people injured with authorities searching for more victims

Authorities were searching for more possible victims.

October 1, 2019, 11:06 AM

At least 10 people were injured after a towering arch bridge collapsed over a bay in eastern Taiwan Tuesday, with authorities searching for more possible victims.

Six of the 10 people injured sustained serious injuries after the collapse, which sent an oil tanker crashing down onto boats in the water, according to The Associated Press. Another six people were believed to be trapped on a boat, the National Fire Agency said in a statement.

Rescuers work near the site of a collapsed bridge in Nanfangao, eastern Taiwan. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019.
AP

More than 60 army and naval personnel, including divers, were part of the search for other potential victims. An air air force helicopter was also being used in the search.

Video of the collapse shows the moment the 460-feet Nanfangao Bridge buckled and crashed into the bay in Nanfangao, a Pacific coast fishing village. The collapse happened around 9:30 a.m. local time.

Members of the Coast Guard could be seen rushing to tend to victims.

Rescuers conduct a retrieval operation in the scene of the collapsed Nanfangao Bridge in Nanfangao, Yilan County, northeastern Taiwan, Oct. 1, 2019.
Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA-EFE/REX via Shutterstock

A National Fire Agency spokesperson said the tanker's fall smashed three boats.

Nanfangao Bridge is a tourist attraction in Yilan. It was opened in 1998 and was built to replace a lower bridge that prevented large fishing vessels from passing underneath.

Rescuers conducts a retrieval operation in the scene of the collapsed Nanfangao Bridge in Nanfangao, Yilan County, northeastern Taiwan, October 1, 2019.
Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA-EFE/REX via Shutterstock

The collapse came a day after a typhoon swept across parts of the island. Typhoon Mitag had brought high winds and heavy rain to northern Taiwan on Monday night before curving north.

ABC News' William Gretsky contributed to this report.