Bridge fire extinguished

Following twelve hours of action by firefighters on both sides of the Vistula river, as well as from boats on the river itself, the fire was brought under control, although authorities said that the blaze could start again at any time.

Early estimates of the damage were conducted on Sunday morning, with experts saying that the concrete structure of the bridge was probably not damaged.

However, the asphalt paving of the six-lane bridge was damaged with folds developing in the surface as a result of the extreme heat.

Fire services were informed of the blaze at 5.30pm on Sunday, spokesperson Paweł Frątczak informed, adding that wooden boards which were being stored under the bridge caught fire. The fire spread from the boards onto a wooden scaffolding surrounding the bridge’s construction.

Frątczak added that the scaffolding was additionally treated with oil-based preservers, causing the fire to spread further.

The fire has engulfed some 500 square metres of the bridge.

The Łazienkowski bridge, a major east-west transit route in the Polish capital, will likely be closed for several days, causing traffic problems around the city of Warsaw. (rg)