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

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.

Three people were killed and four were seriously injured when a Mississippi River bridge slated 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 department said of Mississippi Transportation in a press release. The bridge collapsed prematurely in what the ministry described as a “construction accident.”

“Unfortunately, this accident caused loss of life and we extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones,” the ministry said in its statement.

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Three dead, four seriously injured in Mississippi bridge collapse

The bridge has been closed to traffic since September 18 as part of a bridge replacement project and a contractor was in the process of demolishing it before the collapse, the Transportation Ministry said.

Governor Tate Reeves confirmed on social media Wednesday evening that three workers had been killed.

“We have confirmed several injuries and at least three deaths due to the accident. As the situation evolves, authorities will provide more information while respecting the privacy of the bereaved,” Reeves said in a statement shared on Facebook. “Please include everyone’s families and colleagues 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 demolish it when it gave way and collapsed nearly 40 feet. He confirmed to The Times that three of the men died and four were injured.

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

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

Federal Government Informed of Collapse; undetermined cause

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on social media site X that he had been informed of the “premature collapse.”

In his message, Buttigieg said the Federal Highway Administration was “engaging state officials about” the fatal crash.

“Our hearts go out to the workers who were injured and lost their lives, as well as their families,” Buttigieg said.

A state Department of Transportation inspector was on scene during the collapse and was not injured, the department said.

As of Thursday morning, it was unclear what caused the collapse.

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

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.

Three dead, four seriously injured in Mississippi bridge collapse

Federal Government Informed of Collapse; undetermined cause

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