A tragic incident occurred in Mississippi on Wednesday afternoon when a bridge, undergoing preparations for demolition, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to four others. Authorities confirmed the news late Wednesday, with Governor Tate Reeves addressing the situation on X, noting multiple injuries and fatalities from the work site accident.
The Simpson County Sheriff’s Office received reports of the bridge collapse around 3 p.m. Deputies responding to the scene discovered three deceased construction workers and several others with serious injuries. The victims were identified as Kevin Malone, Charles Ingleharte, and Charles Badger by the Simpson County Coroner, Terry Tutor. The injured individuals were promptly transported to local hospitals for medical care.
The bridge, known as the Strong River Bridge, had been closed to traffic since September 18 as part of a scheduled replacement project, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). At the time of the collapse, contractors were actively engaged in demolition work. The cause of the incident remains unclear, and MDOT has suspended the project pending a thorough investigation.
T.L. Wallace Construction Company, the contractor handling the bridge replacement, expressed its sorrow over the loss of its employees in a statement. The company described the deceased workers as valued members of both the community and the team, emphasizing their commitment to cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
An inspector from MDOT was present at the site during the collapse but fortunately sustained no injuries. The Strong River Bridge, which spans State Route 149 over the Strong River, is situated in south-central Mississippi, approximately 40 miles south of Jackson.
Constructed in 1935, the Strong River Bridge was among the 3% of bridges in Mississippi classified as being in poor condition. Maria Lehman, the former president of the American Society of Civil Engineers, commented on the overall state of bridges in the United States, highlighting concerns regarding aging infrastructure. According to a report by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, nearly 49% of U.S. bridges are in fair condition, with approximately 6.8% categorized as being in poor condition, indicating an urgent need for repairs and upgrades.
In response to the incident, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced on X that he had been briefed on the premature collapse during demolition. He confirmed that the Federal Highway Administration is collaborating with state officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As the community mourns the loss of the construction workers, officials are urging a thorough examination of safety protocols and infrastructure conditions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
