In the Turkestan region, a bridge over the Keles River on the road in the village of Koshkarata collapsed. According to preliminary data, the cause of the incident could be the scouring of the base of the support columns due to the long-term use of the structure. Video footage from the scene of the emergency appeared on social media.
According to Informburo.kz, the regional akimat reported that traffic on the bridge was closed in advance — after a crack was discovered in the structure.
"A crack formed on the bridge over the Keles River. The akim of the Keles district, Zhanibek Agibayev, visited the scene and inspected the condition of the bridge. To ensure safety, traffic on the bridge was temporarily suspended," the akimat's statement said.
According to preliminary information, the integrity of the structure was threatened by many years of use of the bridge and the scouring of the base of the support columns. Specialists will determine the final causes of the collapse after a technical inspection.
As the akimat clarified, the bridge is on the balance sheet of the Department of Passenger Transport and Highways of the Turkestan Region.
To ensure transport links between the rural districts of Alpamys and Birtilek, local authorities organised a detour road with a length of 10 to 15 kilometres.
Emergency services, police officers and representatives of local executive bodies arrived at the scene. According to available information, there are no casualties.
"The situation at the emergency scene is stable; specialists will check the technical condition of the bridge and provide a report," the akimat reported.