Spokesman of AM Parikesit Hospital Dr Werry said that the four bodies of the victims had arrived in the hospital but their identities had not yet been known.
"The hospital`s Emergency Unit is now handling tens of victims who survive the collapse of the bridge. Most of the victims suffered injuries and in weak condition," Werry said.
Deputy head of Kutain Kartanegara district HM Ghufron Yusuf who inspected the accident location said he was shocked to see the collapse of the bridge over the Mahakam river.
The 500-m long Kutai Kartanegera bridge over the Mahakam river in East Kalimantan province collapsed at 4.30 pm on Saturday afternoon, causing a number of vehicles to fall into the river but there ware no immediate reports of fatalities.
Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Affairs Agung Laksono and Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto will inspect the collapsed bridge Saturday night.
"The public works minister and I will inspect the bridge tonight," Agung Laksono said when contacted by ANTARA through his cellular phone here on Saturday evening.
Agung said his side was trying to find a flight at 8 pm to fly to Balikpapan and then continue his trip to the location of the collapsed bridge.
"The public works minister and I want to observe directly the collapse of the bridge and know the causes of the incident and to plan the next plan," he said.
He said that in connection with the incident, the public minister would audit all old bridges in Indonesia.
"All old bridges, particularly those over ten years old, will be audited," he said.
In the meantime, head of the public communications center of the public works ministry, Pandu Waskito said his side would send an expert team to the location of the collapsed bridge.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
