The driver of an overloaded truck that led to a bridge collapse has been fined 15.56 million yuan (2.43 million US dollars) and a sentence of four years in prison, the Beijing News reports.

The driver of a truck overloaded with gravel that caused a bridge to collapse in June was fined 15.56 million yuan (2.43 million US dollars) and sentenced to four years in prison. [Photo / sina.com]

The driver, surnamed Zhang, was driving a truck overloaded with gravel on a bridge in northeastern Beijing's Huairou District when the bridge succumbed to the weight and collapsed last month.

An investigation showed the truck was overloaded by 110 tons when the accident happened.

The Huairou traffic police found Zhang guilty of causing traffic accident and damaging public and private property.

Zhang's fine is equivalent to what the damaged bridge is worth according to evaluations.

The owner and manager of the truck, a father and son surnamed Cao who hired Zhang, should also take joint responsibility and help pay for the damages, according to the traffic police.

Yao Zhiming, a lawyer from Beijing-based Yingke Law Firm, says the verdict was justified by law but was difficult to execute, since none of the three is able to pay the large sum of money demanded.

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