According to Pittsburgh fire officials, ten people were hurt and three others were taken to hospital following Friday’s collapse of a snow-covered bridge.
The Pittsburgh Port Authority confirmed that a 60-foot bus from the city was on the bridge at the time of the collapse to USA TODAY. The two passengers and the bus driver were uninjured.
Jones stated that rescuers used ropes and rappelled at least 100-150 feet to reach the bridge. Others also formed a human chain to aid in the rescue of bus passengers.
Police said that the two-lane bridge, Fern Hollow Bridge, was destroyed just before 7 a.m. in Frick Park over Fern Hollow Creek.
Jones stated that a “massive leakage of gas” was caused by the collapse and that gas services were restored. e
Jones stated that officials have advised residents to stay clear of the area. Jones also said that several families living in the vicinity were evacuated and have since returned home to their homes around the bridge.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Bridge Inventory, a September 2019 inspection of the city’s bridges revealed that it was in poor condition. USA TODAY spokeswoman Sam Wasserman for Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. The bridge’s most recent inspection was done in September 2021.
Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman said, “I hope it is a wake up call to the nation that these infrastructure investments are needed.” John Fetterman spoke at the scene of the collapse.
Tom Wolf tweeted that he was monitoring the situation.
According to the White House, Biden plans to continue his visit to Pittsburgh.
The statement stated that “Our team is in contact with state and local officials on ground as they continue to collect information about the cause for the collapse.” “The President is grateful for the first responders who rushed in to help the drivers on the bridge.”