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Mississippi Bridge collapse in Simpson County: 3 dead, 4 injured

VaselineOctober 17, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Mississippi Bridge collapse in Simpson County: 3 dead, 4 injured

The bridge, about 40 miles south of Jackson on State Route 149 over the Strong River in Simpson County, had been closed for nearly a month so crews could demolish it.

Three people were killed and four seriously injured when a bridge in Mississippi that was due for demolition collapsed Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

The bridge, about 40 miles south of Jackson on State Route 149 over the Strong River in Simpson County, had been closed for nearly a month so crews could demolish it, the Mississippi Department of Transportation said in a news release. The bridge collapsed prematurely, which the department described as a “workplace accident.”

“Unfortunately, there have been fatalities as a result of the accident, and we extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones,” the department said in a statement.

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Three dead and four seriously injured in Mississippi bridge collapse

The bridge has been closed to traffic since Sept. 18 as part of a bridge replacement project and a contractor was working on its demolition before the collapse, the Department of Transportation said.

Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed late Wednesday on social media that three workers had died.

“We have confirmed multiple injuries and at least three fatalities as a result of the accident. As the situation develops, authorities will provide more information, while respecting the privacy of the next of kin,” Reeves said in a statement on Facebook. “Please include the families and colleagues of everyone involved in your prayers.”

Terry Tutor, the Simpson County coroner, told the New York Times that seven men were using heavy machinery on the bridge to tear it down when it gave way and fell nearly 40 feet. He confirmed to the Times that three of the men were killed and four were injured.

Simpson County Sheriff Paul Mullins told WLBT-TV, an NBC affiliate station in Jackson, that the four injured were in critical condition.

Mullins and Tutor did not immediately return messages left by USA TODAY Thursday morning.

Federal Government Informed of Collapse; cause undetermined

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on social media site

In his post, Buttigieg said the Federal Highway Administration is “involving state officials in” the fatal accident.

“Our thoughts are with the workers who were injured and lost their lives, and with their families,” Buttigieg said.

An inspector from the state Department of Transportation was on the scene during the collapse and was unharmed, the department said.

It was still unclear on Thursday morning what caused the collapse.

Eric Lagatta covers the latest and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

VaselineOctober 17, 2024

0 2 minutes read

The bridge, about 40 miles south of Jackson on State Route 149 over the Strong River in Simpson County, had been closed for nearly a month so crews could demolish it.

Three dead and four seriously injured in Mississippi bridge collapse

Federal Government Informed of Collapse; cause undetermined

Vaseline

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