When the couple reached about the middle of the bridge, a loud crack was heard. The boards began breaking right beneath their feet. The woman screamed, lost her balance and almost fell, but the man caught her at the very last moment. He held her with all his strength, but the bridge was collapsing too fast. Moments later they were both swept down into the deep river.

The icy water slammed into their chests. They were spun around in a whirlpool. The woman gasped for air, but the strong waves covered her again and again. The man, despite his despair, never let go of her hand. With one arm he swam, with the other he clutched his wife tightly, trying to keep them both on the surface.