Bridge Collapses onto Highway in Texas, Killing at Least One
SALADO, Texas, March 26, 2015 (UPI) — At least one person died and multiple others were injured after an 18-wheeler truck struck a bridge that then fell onto multiple vehicles on a highway in Texas.
The incident took place around 11:15 a.m. local time in Salado, about 60 miles north of Austin.
The Texas Department of Transportation said an oversized 18-wheeler truck hit the beams on the Farm-to-Market 2484 overpass, causing the beams to collapse on Interstate 35. The bridge was under construction as part of a project to widen overpasses along the main artery through central Texas.
One of the beams hit a second 18-wheeler truck, causing a fire. At least two other vehicles — pickup trucks — were also struck in the collapse, state Trooper Harpin Myers told the Austin American Statesman.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said at least one person died. The condition of those injured was unknown.
Both directions of I-35 were shut down due to the wreckage. TxDOT officials said it would take “several hours” to clear the debris and reopen lanes of traffic.
