Among many disasters taking more than a hundred lives this weekend has been this man-made one. The supporting cables of a suspension bridge in Gujarat state failed plunging at least 130 people to their deaths. The bridge dated from the days of the Raj in the 19th century.
Another 19th century suspension bridge, the Menai, which links Ynys Mon to the mainland, has been closed to all road traffic apart from emergency vehicles below a certain weight. This closure may last into next year as hangers are checked and replaced as necessary. There will be serious effects on trade, but in view of what appears to have been a premature reopening in Gujarat, surely the precautionary principle must apply.
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