Bridge collapses in northern Turkey, 11 people missing

At least eleven people are missing as a bridge in northern Turkey collapsed on Friday, Today's Zaman reported. A bridge on Filyos river partially collapsed in Çaycuma district of Zonguldak on Friday and two vehicles fell into river. Çaycuma district Disaster and Emergency Management Director Ahmet Güngör told reporters that gendarmerie received 11 reports of missing people. He said two people from one vehicle could be rescued and they are looking for other eleven missing people. He added that they demanded a helicopter to search for other missing people but it could work only early in the morning. He said search and rescue units and gendarmerie are looking for the missing people along the river. The official said melting snow increased the level of water in the river and it is dangerous for divers to search missing people. Güngör said there are claims that father and nephew of Çaycuma mayor Mithat Gülşen's are also in the van that is missing but they couldn't confirm this. Gülşen was hospitalized as he heard the news and he is currently under treatment in Çaycuma State Hospital.