Five people killed after vehicle plunges off pontoon bridge

(ECNS) -- A vehicle carrying eight passengers plunged into the water while crossing a pontoon bridge in Shiziguan (Lion Pass) Scenic Area, Xuan'en County, central China's Hubei Province, on Tuesday. 

Three people were rescued while five others died. The vehicle involved was a nine-seater commercial van.

The safety of the bridge has long been in dispute.

A spokesperson of the scenic area, in a previous interview, claimed the bridge was built in 2015 using advanced German technology and capable of withstanding tanks.

According to reports, the bridge is widely known as the local "Bridge of Madison County."

Many tourists have stated that when vehicles pass over the bridge, ripples are created on the water surface, creating a stunning effect.

The official WeChat account of "Shiziguan Scenic Area" published a message on March 21 this year, stating that the bridge is open to visitors. Tourists are allowed to drive across the bridge with vehicles limited to seven seats or below and a weight limit of 2.5 tons.

The bridge is about 400 meters long, with speed bumps at short intervals and guardrails on both sides.

A voice warning system warns: "Pedestrians are prohibited to cross the bridge; please open your windows when driving across the bridge."

There are further signs along the route indicating the 20 kph speed limit.

An insider who specializes in scenic areas believes that, after watching footage of the car accident, both the driver and the scenic area were at fault.