Newlyweds apologise after Lata Rek bridge collapse at wedding

KUALA KRAI – A newlywed couple from Kampung Chatel Damai, Lata Rek here have come forward to apologise to all guests after their wedding reception turned chaotic following the collapse of a suspension bridge.

The bride, Wan Jamilah Wan Syukri, 28, said she and her husband, Mohd Faris Haikal Zulkifli, 26, were deeply saddened and sympathised with the guests who had come to celebrate their wedding, only for it to end in an unfortunate incident.

“Some guests came from far away. We are truly sad because many fell and were injured.

“On our part, I sincerely apologise for this incident and for any shortcomings,” she told reporters on Monday.

Wan Jamilah (right) and Mohd Faris Haikal (left).

In the incident at about 2pm last Thursday, more than 50 guests fell into the river, resulting in a man suffering a broken leg after hitting a rock, while a child sustained head injuries. Three others suffered minor injuries and breathing difficulties.

Wan Jamilah, who works at a factory in Shah Alam, said prior to the collapse, the groom’s entourage had arrived from Kok Lanas, Kota Bharu and had safely crossed the wooden bridge.

“They had all reached the other side safely before, about 10 minutes later, the bridge collapsed.

“Most of those who fell into the river were guests from the bride’s side and villagers from this area,” she said.

She added that the incident came as a shock as the bridge had previously been used by many people for other wedding feasts in the same village without any incidents.

“Previously, neighbours held wedding feasts and other bridal processions crossed the bridge without any problems.

“Even during my engagement in June last year, more than 100 people from the groom’s side crossed the bridge safely. But we accept this as a test and remain resigned to the fact that the bridge collapsed during our wedding,” she said.

Wan Jamilah also said her husband and the groom’s entourage had crossed the bridge using solar lights on the night of the solemnisation ceremony, a day before the incident.

She admitted feeling heartbroken thinking about the guests who had arrived in their finest attire but were forced to wade through the river to return home.

“The guests came dressed beautifully, but when they left, they were completely soaked because they had to cross the river,” she said.

Immediately after the incident, she said villagers and family members acted quickly to help the guests by using five four-wheel-drive vehicles and a lorry to transport them across the river.

What was even more touching, she added, was how family members and villagers worked together to carry pots of food and rice across the river to ensure the guests were still served.

“We borrowed tables from the surau and placed the rice and dishes on the riverbank on the other side so guests could continue eating,” she said.

Wan Jamilah said the incident left a lasting memory for her and her husband, but they remain grateful as it became the reason for the construction of a new bridge for the convenience of residents.