Another Batam bridge rammed by barge

A barge reportedly rammed into the bridge, also known as Bridge Two of the Batam-Rempang-Galang (Barelang) network of bridges early on Sunday, causing a loud bang and shaking it violently, local residents were reported as saying.

Local officials believe the underwater section of the piling has been damaged although at the moment the bridge is still paasable to traffic. Batam Free Trade Zone Management Agency (BP FTZ) spokesman Dwi Djoko Wiwoho was quoted as saying: "The bridge is still passable but we have to check its structural condition.”

The agency is still investigating the damage caused by the collision with the bridge. The barge left the scene after the accident and the authorities were unable to secure it as they did not have vessels available at the time, although they are still searching for the barge, they added.

In June 2012, Bridge Six was badly damaged after being hit by the barge Aussie 1, causing the bridge linking Galang and Galang Baru islands to shift by 1.2m.