This is the dramatic moment a concrete bridge collapsed from the power of a swollen river after weeks of heavy rain.

The structure began cracking earlier this week in Lopburi, central Thailand, sparking panic from officials who closed the road.

Footage from Tuesday (17/09) morning shows the moment the bridge finally gave way and plunged into the water below.

Traffic policeman Kittinun Rattanapatsiri checked the ruins and said that the bridge collapsed due to the strength of the water and debris pushing against the supports.

He said: "There were a substantial amount of loose water plants around the pillar which contributed to the higher pressure exerted on the bridge.

"When the current became stronger from the heavy rain the old bridge could not withstand it any longer."

Many locals complained about the collapse. One said: "This bridge is the quickest way to the nearest town. We need to use it to sell our crops.

"It is reasonable that it had collapsed because it had been used for more than 60 years. But why did the authorities not take take of it before this happened?''

Thailand has experienced heavy rain for the last two weeks from two tropical storms which have caused widespread flooding across the country. In the north, at least 33 people have been killed by the floods as well as more than 500,000 people left homeless.