• As Several go missing after Goa bridge collapse

Six people died and at least twenty-three persons sustained injuries following a huge explosion at Cotecmar shipyard in Cartagena, Colombia that occurred on Wednesday, May 17, local media informed.

A total of three explosions were reported in the industrial zone of Mamonal, located some 15 kilometres from the city, hitting Cotecmar and US shipyard Astivik.

The blast at the yard reportedly occurred while workers were painting a tanker vessel.

The shipyard, specializing in construction of naval platforms, and the repair and maintenance of vessels, expressed its condolences to the victims’ families on its twitter account.

The country’s police and naval authorities conducted an initial inspection of the site, once the fires were put under control, ruling out the possibility that an explosive device had caused the explosions. Further activities on determining the cause of the blasts are underway.

World Maritime News is yet to receive a reply from the shipbuilder regarding the accident.

In the meantime, at least two people have died and several others are feared missing after a pedestrian bridge collapsed in the western state of Goa.

People had gathered on the bridge to watch emergency services rescue a man who had jumped into the Sanvordem river in Curchorem.

Local media reported that more than 50 people were on the bridge when it collapsed late on Thursday evening.

The bridge was reportedly more than 60 years old and was banned from use.

A local police officer told the Hindustan Times that more people were likely to be “trapped under the collapsed bridge”.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he was also monitoring the rescue operation.

South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar told the Goa Herald newspaper that “it was an unfortunate tragedy”.

“The bridge must be demolished as the government had notified it as a dangerous bridge and notices were placed both the side of the bridge not to use it.

“Right now the priority is to recover the bodies,” he added.

World Maritime News with additional report from BBC