4 killed as bridge collapses in central Thailand

Thai villagers and rescuers sift through the wreckage of a suspension bridge crossing the Pasak river after it collapsed Sunday, April 28, 2013, in Ayutthaya province, central Thailand. AP PHOTO

BANGKOK—Police say at least four people were killed when a small bridge collapsed near Thailand’s ancient capital of Ayutthaya.

Police Col. Jitkasem Sonkham said several motorcycle drivers and their vehicles fell into the Pasak river Sunday while they were crossing the suspension bridge in Ayutthaya province’s Tha Ruea district.

Authorities found four bodies under the rubble. Twelve people were injured.

Jitkasem says the cement bridge was built a few years ago for pedestrians and small vehicles to cross but has not been well maintained. He says investigators believe that the bridge was not over capacity at the time the accident happened but that it was in poor condition.

Tha Ruea is 109 kilometers (68 miles) north of Bangkok.