In September of 2023, Storm Daniel tore through Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey, leaving thousands dead and causing billions of dollars in damage, including to critical infrastructure. Greece’s Thessaly region was particularly hard-struck by the storm, with 79 bridges rendered unusable by the massive floods. One of the victims of Storm Daniel was the Palaiopyrgos bridge, which buckled at its center and collapsed.

Linking the coastal communities of the Municipality of Tempi and the Municipality of Agia, the Palaiopyrgos bridge is a vital route for locals, but it is visibly sagging, with its central section mere inches above the waters of the Pineios River below. However, the dangerous deformation has never stopped daring motorists from using the bridge.

Officially, the Palaiopyrgos bridge collapsed in 2023 and has been closed for circulation ever since. But it was neither barricaded in any way, nor fixed, so people who choose not to obey the signs prohibiting passage for obvious safety reasons can do so.

Drone footage captured by the Larissanet Daily Newspaper shows a Ford Ranger slowly managing the collapsed bridge like an obstacle course, but ultimately passing from one end to the other. According to locals, many motorists prefer to risk crossing the Palaiopyrgos bridge this way because the alternative route involves a significant detour that would cost them valuable time and fuel.

Interestingly, tourists are reportedly often guided towards the collapsed bridge as well, forcing them to turn back the way they came from when they see the warning signs or risk crossing the collapsed bridge.

Photo: Larissanet Daily Newspaper