Three Dead and Four Injured in Tragic Bridge Collapse
A devastating bridge collapse in Simpson County, Mississippi, on Wednesday left three workers dead and four others critically injured. The accident occurred while a work crew was preparing the bridge for demolition. The structure, located on State Route 149 over the Strong River, had been closed to traffic since September 18 as part of an ongoing replacement project. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) confirmed the tragic incident in a press release, emphasizing that the bridge had been out of service for nearly a month.
The bridge collapse took place approximately 40 miles south of Jackson, sending shockwaves through the local community and beyond. Governor Tate Reeves expressed his condolences on social media late Wednesday, confirming the deaths and injuries. He noted that county first responders, alongside state authorities, had rushed to the scene to manage the aftermath of the disaster. Reeves referred to the collapse as a “tragedy” and commended the efforts of emergency personnel.
Federal and Local Officials Respond
The accident has drawn attention from state and federal officials alike. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the incident on social media, stating that the Federal Highway Administration is actively working with Mississippi state officials to understand the circumstances that led to the premature collapse. The focus of the investigation is expected to be on the safety protocols in place during the demolition and the exact cause of the structure’s failure.
Simpson County Sheriff Paul Mullins spoke to local media, confirming the loss of three lives and the severe injuries sustained by four others. According to Mullins, the work crew, consisting of seven men, was using heavy machinery to dismantle the bridge when the structure suddenly gave way, plunging the workers approximately 40 feet into the river below. Terry Tutor, the Simpson County coroner, confirmed these details in a separate interview with The New York Times.
As of Wednesday night, no further updates had been provided by local authorities. Efforts to reach both Mullins and Tutor for additional information were unsuccessful. The construction company responsible for the demolition, T.L. Wallace Construction, has not yet issued a statement. Calls to the company on Wednesday went unanswered, leaving questions about the firm’s role and responsibilities in the incident.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Concerns
In the wake of the bridge collapse, MDOT has committed to a thorough investigation of the incident. Department spokesperson Anna Ehrgott stated that an inspector was present at the site when the bridge fell, but fortunately, they were not harmed. Ehrgott assured the public that MDOT would share further details as they become available, and she stressed the department’s commitment to ensuring the safety of both workers and the public during such projects.
While the cause of the collapse remains unknown, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of ongoing infrastructure projects in Mississippi and across the country. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to review demolition practices and safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The community in Simpson County mourns the loss of life and hopes for the recovery of the injured workers, as officials seek answers in the aftermath of the catastrophic collapse.