Authorities say one person was killed and up to three others were injured when a bridge under construction near Kansas City, Missouri, collapsed.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, workers were pouring concrete on the bridge deck when it collapsed Wednesday afternoon, just before 2 p.m. local time.
The bridge collapsed on top of the workers, prompting rescue efforts, according to Clay County Western Commissioner Jon Carpenter.
According to the sheriff’s office, three to four workers became trapped. According to the sheriff’s office, two to three of them were able to escape the collapse and were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries.
The identity of the deceased victim has not been made public.
Authorities said there were multiple contracting companies on the scene at the time of the collapse and no county employees.
The two-lane bridge spans Carroll Creek between Northeast 148th Street and Shady Grove Road in Washington Township, about 27 miles northeast of Kansas City.
Since 2016, the bridge has been closed. Construction began in May 2021, with an expected reopening date of early 2023.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on Wednesday, “The Clay County Highway Department states there were no safety concerns on the project prior to today.” “An engineering contractor was on the scene today inspecting the bridge before pouring the deck.”
The sheriff’s office stated that the investigation will be turned over to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
