Demolition ‘Prep’ Causes Bridge to Collapse Killing Three Workers

In a tragic turn of events, three workers lost their lives, and four others sustained critical injuries when a bridge in Simpson County, Mississippi, collapsed on Wednesday. The bridge, spanning the Strong River on State Route 149, was undergoing demolition preparations at the time of the collapse, according to local authorities.

The bridge, located about 40 miles south of Jackson, had been closed to traffic since mid-September as part of a replacement project, the Mississippi Department of Transportation confirmed.

Governor Tate Reeves expressed his condolences on social media, confirming the fatalities and stating that local and state emergency responders were on-site. The governor’s message highlighted the devastating loss for the community.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also weighed in, tweeting that the Federal Highway Administration was in contact with state officials regarding the “premature collapse” of the bridge.

Simpson County Sheriff Paul Mullins confirmed the fatalities, while Terry Tutor, the county coroner, provided further details to the New York Times, stating that seven workers had been operating heavy machinery when the bridge suddenly gave way, sending them plummeting nearly 40 feet. Tutor confirmed the deaths of three men and the serious injuries of four others.

As of now, attempts to contact T.L. Wallace Construction, the company overseeing the demolition, have gone unanswered. Newsweek also reached out to the Mississippi Department of Transportation for comment but has yet to receive a response.

Anna Ehrgott, a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation, assured that more information would be made available as investigations unfold. An inspector from the department was reportedly on-site during the incident but was not harmed in the collapse.

The tragedy has sparked concerns about safety measures and oversight during the demolition process. Both local and federal officials are now investigating what led to the bridge’s unexpected failure and whether adequate safety protocols were in place.

As the community mourns the loss of life, questions loom large about how such a disaster could occur during what was supposed to be a controlled demolition. The investigation will focus on ensuring the safety of future projects and supporting the grieving families affected by this tragedy.