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An uncompleted ramp leading to the second Penang bridge, which is still under contruction, at Batu Maung collapsed at about 7pm today, burying two cars and a motorcycle under the rubble.

The authorities have confirmed that one victim in a white Perodua Kelisa was killed while rescue workers have confirmed that the motorcyclist has been rescued, but suffered head injuries.

penang bridge collapse 060613 Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin, who was at the scene shortly after it happened, said that the ramp collapsed while reinforcement works were in progress.

“This is the worse construction-related accident to happen in Penang,” said Sim, who happens to be a trained civil engineer, when contacted.

Hundreds of rescue workers are at the scene and are removing debris in an attempt to reach those who might still be in the trapped vehicles.

The ramp is located along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, and the accident has caused a massive traffic jam. 

Bridge structure unaffected

The contruction of the bridge is being managed by Ministry of Finance Incorporated-owned Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB), which in turn contracted, among others, Khazanah-owned UEM Builders Sdn Bhd and Beijing-based China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd.

NONE However, the portion of the ramp - described as Package 3A - is being handled by Cergas Murni Sdn Bhd, a company which a JKSB spokesperson described as having a good record in bridge construction work before today's incident.

According to Bernama , the JKSB spokesperson said the mishap did not involve the bridge structure itself that was under construction.

It only involved the concrete ramp and steel girders in Package 3A at the exit passage from the bridge to the highway on the island part.

penang second bridge collape 060613 lim guan eng "The cause of the ramp collapse that occurred at Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu near Batu Maung is being investigated and JKSB will issue an official statement on the incident tomorrow," he said.

The 24km bridge was supposed to be completed next month.

Meanwhile, an eyewitness, Zilali Mohamad, 30, said he saw a motorcycle and a Proton Waja car passing underneath when he heard a loud rumbling sound and the ramp came crashing down on the two vehicles.