According to authorities, a bridge being prepped for demolition fell in a “work site accident” in Mississippi on Wednesday afternoon, killing three persons and injuring four more.
Gov. Tate Reeves said on X late Wednesday night that the state has “confirmed multiple injuries and at least three fatalities from the accident.” Tate reported that first responders from the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office, the state and county emergency management offices, and “other state assets” were on the scene when the bridge collapsed.
According to a statement from the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office, the bridge collapse was reported at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Deputies who arrived on the scene “discovered three construction workers deceased and at least three more severely injured,” according to the sheriff’s office.
Simpson County Coroner Terry Tutor identified the three men who died as Kevin Malone, Charles Englehart, and Charles Badger. According to Tutor, the four injured were brought to local hospitals.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) stated that the Strong River Bridge has been closed to traffic since September 18 in preparation for a replacement project. The bridge collapsed in a “work site accident,” according to MDOT, while contractors were aggressively destroying it. The cause of the collapse is unknown, and the project has been put on hold “until an investigation can be completed,” according to an amended release.
The bridge project was part of a wider infrastructure makeover contracted out to T.L. Wallace Construction Company. In a statement made by the company, they said they are grieved by the death of their three employees, who “were cherished members of our community and our team,” and that the company is helping in the investigation.
MDOT stated that an inspector overseeing the project was on-site during the event but was unharmed.
The bridge was part of State Route 149 over the Strong River in south-central Mississippi, approximately 40 miles south of Jackson.
Maria Lehman, former president of the American Society of Civil Engineers, told CNN on Thursday that the Strong River Bridge, built in 1935, was among the 3% of Mississippi bridges deemed to be in bad overall condition.
Lehman highlighted that, while Mississippi is effectively managing its aging infrastructure, the overall quality of bridges in the United States is concerning, with many classed as fair or bad. According to a recent American Road & Transportation Builders Association report, roughly 49% of US bridges are in fair condition, with 6.8% in bad condition, indicating a huge need for repairs and upgrades across the country.
about Wednesday, US Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated that he had “been briefed on the premature collapse during the demolition of a bridge.” He stated that the Federal Highway Administration is investigating the event with state officials.
Source: Mississippi bridge being prepared for demolition collapses, killing 3 and injuring 4 others
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