A bridge demolition project in rural Mississippi took a devastating turn on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, when the structure collapsed prematurely, resulting in three fatalities and four serious injuries.
The incident occurred on State Route 149 over the Strong River in Simpson County, approximately 40 miles south of Jackson.
The bridge, which had been closed to traffic since September 18, was part of a $25 million project to replace four bridges along the route. T.L. Wallace Construction, the contractor overseeing the demolition, was in the process of removing the structure when it unexpectedly gave way.
Simpson County Coroner Terry Tutor identified the three workers who lost their lives as Kevin Malone, Charles Ingleharte, and Charles Badger. Four other workers sustained critical injuries in the collapse and were rushed to nearby medical facilities.
Governor Tate Reeves confirmed the fatalities late Wednesday on social media, stating, “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.”
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) described the incident as a “work site accident” and extended condolences to the families affected. An MDOT inspector was present at the site during the collapse but was unharmed.
According to Tutor, the seven-man crew was using heavy machinery to tear down the bridge when it plummeted nearly 40 feet. The exact cause of the premature collapse remains unknown and is currently under investigation.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced on social media that he had been briefed on the incident. “The Federal Highway Administration is engaging state officials concerning this fatal accident,” Buttigieg stated, adding, “Our thoughts are with the workers who were injured and lost their lives, and with their families.”
The collapse has put the entire replacement project on hold pending the results of the investigation, which could impact the project’s timeline. Initially estimated to take 12 to 18 months to complete, the project’s future now remains uncertain.
T.L. Wallace Construction, based in Columbia, Mississippi, has stated that they are fully cooperating with local authorities in the investigation. The company’s spokesperson emphasized their commitment to understanding the cause of the accident to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the construction industry and local communities. As families mourn their loved ones and hope for the recovery of those injured, questions about the safety of ongoing and future infrastructure projects loom large. The findings of this investigation may have far-reaching implications for bridge demolition and construction practices across the country.