Current:Home > NewsMississippi bridge collapse in Simpson County during demolition leaves 3 dead, 4 injured -Thrive Success Strategies
Mississippi bridge collapse in Simpson County during demolition leaves 3 dead, 4 injured
View
Date:2025-04-17 20:47:58
Three people were killed and four were seriously injured when a bridge in Mississippi targeted for demolition collapsed Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.
The bridge, located 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 in what the department described as a "work site accident."
"Sadly, there were 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 its statement.
Search underway:Navy aircraft with 2 aboard crashes in Washington near Mount Rainier
Three killed, 4 critically 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 in the process of demolishing it before the collapse, the department of transportation said.
Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed late Wednesday on social media that three workers were killed.
"We have confirmed multiple injuries and at least three fatalities from the accident. As the situation develops, authorities will provide more information while respecting the privacy of the bereaved," Reeves said in a statement shared on Facebook. "Please keep the families and coworkers 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 plummeted nearly 40 feet.
Reached Thursday by USA TODAY, Tutor confirmed that three of the men died and four were injured. He identified the men who were killed in the collapse as Kevin Malone, Charles Ingleharte, and Charles Badger.
Simpson County Sheriff Paul Mullins told WLBT-TV, an NBC affiliate station in Jackson, that the four people who were injured were in critical condition.
Mullins did not immediately return a message left Thursday morning by USA TODAY.
Federal government briefed on collapse; cause undetermined
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on social media site X that he was briefed on the "premature collapse."
In his post, Buttigieg said the Federal Highway Administration was “engaging state officials concerning” the fatal accident.
"Our thoughts are with the workers who were injured and lost their lives, and with their families," Buttigieg said.
An inspector with the state's department of transportation was on site during the collapse and was unharmed, the department said.
It was unclear as of Thursday morning what had caused the collapse.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com
veryGood! (4159)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Prepare to Roar Over Katy Perry's Risqué Sheer 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards Look
- Person is diagnosed with bird flu after being in contact with cows in Texas
- ‘It was the most unfair thing’: Disobedience, school discipline and racial disparity
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Arizona names Pluto as its official state planet — except it's technically not a planet
- 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards Red Carpet Fashion: See Every Look As the Stars Arrive
- What I Like About You’s Jennie Garth Briefly Addresses Dan Schneider and Costar Amanda Bynes
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Gunbattle between Haitian police and gangs paralyzes area near National Palace
Ranking
- Average rate on 30
- Dear Daughter: Celebrity Dads Share Their Hopes for the Next Generation of Women
- 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards Red Carpet Fashion: See Every Look As the Stars Arrive
- JoJo Siwa Pushes Back on Criticism of Her Adult Era While Debuting Dramatic All-Black Look
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- First vessel uses alternate channel to bypass wreckage at the Baltimore bridge collapse site
- Purdue's return to Final Four brings tears of joy from those closest to program.
- Rebel Wilson Shares She Tried Ozempic Amid Weight-Loss Journey
Recommendation
Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
First vessel uses alternate channel to bypass wreckage at the Baltimore bridge collapse site
Jerrod Carmichael's vulnerable chat with Tyler, the Creator about his crush goes viral
Rebel Wilson Shares She Tried Ozempic Amid Weight-Loss Journey
Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
MLB power rankings: Yankees, Brewers rise after vengeful sweeps
Pat Sajak replaced as 'Wheel of Fortune' host? You won't believe the Joker who stepped in
Prepare to Roar Over Katy Perry's Risqué Sheer 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards Look