Pinula Bridge closed in Guatemala due to collapse risk

Authorities in Guatemala have ordered the total preventive closure of the Pinula Bridge in Villa Hermosa due to an imminent risk of collapse. Heavy rains have caused the Pinula River to swell, leading to severe soil erosion and undermining the bridge's structure.

The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred) and local transit police have implemented the closure to prevent potential tragedy. The Constitutional Court has also intervened, granting an injunction that orders the central government to take urgent administrative, technical, and engineering measures to mitigate damages and reduce risks to the local population.

Local authorities have suggested several alternative routes for commuters, including Hincapié, Santa Inés, and Avenida Petapa, to bypass the affected area. Ongoing evaluations continue to monitor the stability of the infrastructure and the surrounding residential areas affected by the river's overflow.