This is the shocking moment a suspension bridge collapsed into a river, injuring 32 spectators at a duck-catching contest in Indonesia.

The structure was carrying dozens of locals over a shallow river in the village of Nanga Mentukak, East Kalimantan province, during Independence Day festivities on August 17.

Excited cheers were heard as the villagers ran across the water to catch the fowl. But their joy turned to horror when the bridge deck suddenly twisted and fell, crushing several people including children.

Inspector Rahmad Kartono, Head of the Sekadau Police Criminal Investigation Unit, said: 'There were 32 people who were injured as a result of this incident. Some of them had broken bones.

'All the victims were immediately taken to the Community Health Center. Some of them were also referred to the hospital.'

He said the onlookers had earlier been warned not to stand on the rickety bridge, as it was unstable and unfit to carry heavy loads.

The injured included both contestants and spectators, Rahmad said.

They were rushed to the Nanga Taman Health Centre for treatment, while those with more serious wounds were taken to the Sekadau Regional General Hospital. There were no casualties reported.

Police said they were investigating the accident.