Shock as famous UK city bridge plunges into water after collapse

A city centre bridge which previously bore three tonnes of ‘love padlocks’ has collapsed. Pero’s footbridge tumbled into Bristol’s floating harbour on Saturday evening – leaving portions of it submerged. Photographs and footage reveal a central section of the structure beneath the water – including one of its characteristic horns.

The bridge was already shut following a malfunction which forced its closure in August during routine testing. The middle section had been scheduled for removal during the coming week, but the councillor responsible for the harbour has confirmed this is now under review.

A modest quantity of oil from Pero’s Bridge has seeped into the harbour following the further collapse of its already damaged structure on Saturday night.

The collapse also harmed its hydraulic ram, a mechanical component designed to help push, pull, lift, or stabilise structural elements of the bridge.

Bristol City Council is collaborating with environmental specialists to remove the oil, while engineers are examining the structure to reassess lifting plans for the bridge within a week.

For years the bridge was adorned with padlocks termed ‘love locks’ – fastened as romantic tokens – but were stripped away amid concerns they were excessively heavy.

The so-called ‘love locks’ on Pero’s Bridge in Bristol reportedly weighed collectively up to three tonnes. In a statement to Bristol24/7, councillor and chair of the harbour committee Andrew Brown said: “We can confirm that shortly before 11pm on Saturday night the centre span of Pero’s Bridge slipped from its previous position, causing damage to the hydraulic ram, and a small section is now submerged in the harbour.

“No one was injured, but a small amount of hydraulic oil leaked into the water by the Arnolfini, and we are currently on site working with environmental specialists to clear this.

“Engineers are also on site assessing the structure and we are reviewing our plans to lift the bridge next week.

“At present there is no confirmed impact to the maintenance and refurbishment programme.

“However, this remains under review pending engineering assessment and approval of the revised plans.”