Officials said crews were dismantling an aging structure when the bridge unexpectedly gave way at the work site.
ANTWERP, Belgium — Three people were killed and three others injured after a decades-old highway overpass collapsed during demolition work, sending heavy concrete and steel crashing onto workers below, authorities said. Emergency crews rushed to the site shortly after the structure failed while contractors were dismantling sections of the bridge.
Authorities said the collapse happened on May 23 during a scheduled demolition operation involving an overpass that had stood for several decades along a busy highway corridor near Antwerp. Prosecutors and workplace safety investigators immediately opened inquiries into how the structure failed and whether demolition procedures were properly followed. Emergency responders worked through debris for hours as cranes and heavy equipment were brought in to stabilize the scene and search for trapped workers. Officials said the injured victims were transported to nearby hospitals, while investigators began interviewing contractors and witnesses connected to the project.
According to local authorities, crews had been dismantling sections of the overpass when a large portion of the structure suddenly gave way. Witnesses described hearing a loud cracking sound moments before concrete slabs and steel beams collapsed onto the demolition site below. Emergency dispatchers received multiple calls reporting workers trapped beneath rubble shortly after the collapse occurred. Rescue crews arrived within minutes and began a complex recovery effort complicated by unstable debris and damaged support structures. Officials said several construction workers were on or near the bridge at the time of the incident. One witness told investigators the collapse appeared to happen “all at once,” leaving workers little time to escape. Thick dust clouds spread across nearby highway lanes as emergency crews shut down traffic in the surrounding area.
Authorities later confirmed that three workers died at the scene. Three additional people suffered injuries ranging from fractures to trauma caused by falling debris, officials said. Emergency medical teams treated some victims near the site before transporting them to regional hospitals for further care. Investigators said the bridge had been part of a long-term infrastructure replacement project intended to modernize the aging roadway system. The overpass had reportedly been closed to public traffic during demolition operations, though officials continued restricting nearby access while structural engineers assessed the surrounding area for additional hazards. Prosecutors said investigators would examine engineering plans, contractor safety procedures and communication records tied to the demolition project. Officials have not yet said whether mechanical failures, planning errors or structural weaknesses contributed to the collapse.
The incident renewed concerns about risks tied to large-scale demolition projects involving aging infrastructure across Europe and other regions. Workplace safety experts said bridge demolition operations often require highly controlled sequencing to prevent sudden structural failures while heavy sections are removed. Authorities noted that the collapsed overpass had been in service for decades before officials approved its replacement due to age and maintenance concerns. Construction crews had reportedly spent weeks preparing the structure for demolition before the collapse occurred. Labor organizations called for a full review of safety protocols and oversight tied to the project. Local officials also said nearby residents and commuters experienced significant disruptions after surrounding roads were temporarily closed following the disaster.
Belgian prosecutors confirmed a formal investigation is underway to determine whether negligence or safety violations played any role in the deadly collapse. Workplace inspection agencies are expected to review contractor records, demolition permits and engineering assessments connected to the project. Authorities said structural specialists and forensic engineers will continue examining debris patterns and construction equipment recovered from the site. Officials also are expected to interview surviving workers and supervisors involved in the operation. The names of the victims were not immediately released pending notification of relatives. Additional reports detailing the condition of the injured workers could be released as hospital evaluations continue. Prosecutors said findings from the investigation may determine whether criminal or regulatory actions are warranted.
Residents living near the demolition area described hearing what sounded like an explosion before sirens and emergency vehicles flooded the scene. Several people gathered behind police barriers as rescue crews used cranes, cutting equipment and thermal imaging devices to search unstable piles of debris. One nearby business owner said workers had been visible on the structure earlier in the day before the collapse occurred. Another witness described seeing clouds of dust rise above the roadway moments after hearing the bridge fail. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area while engineers continue evaluating the remaining portions of the structure and investigators process the site for evidence.
The investigation into the collapse remains active as engineers and prosecutors continue reviewing evidence from the demolition site. Officials said additional updates are expected after structural assessments and forensic examinations of the debris are completed.