Ten people were slightly injured when the snow-covered Pittsburgh Bridge collapsed into a wooded ravine around 6am. At the same time, a gas leak was reported in the area, which came under control shortly afterwards, according to local authorities. Due to the leak, families living nearby were forced to evacuate their homes.
“It sounded like a snow blower,” an eyewitness told local television station KDKA, calling it a “terrible coincidence” that the bridge collapsed on the day the president is expected in the city.
Biden is expected to deliver a speech focusing on his plan to strengthen infrastructure in the United States.
Photos posted on social networking sites show drivers and vehicles, including a bus, trapped in the wreckage. Three of the injured were taken to hospitals, but their lives are not in danger.
— Pittsburgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) January 28, 2022
BREAKING: A bridge along Forbes Avenue near Frick Park has collapsed. (????: Jeremy Habowski) https://t.co/tBmXgKOsnM pic.twitter.com/QebLGfSRa9
– KDKA (@KDKA) January 28, 2022
Biden was briefed on the disaster and thanked rescuers who rushed to the scene, according to Jen Psaki, a White House spokeswoman. His schedule, however, will not be modified.
The bridge, near Pittsburgh’s Frick Park, was inspected last September, according to Mayor Ed Gainey.
UPDATE 3:
PIO is on scene. Will advise on when there will be a news conference. https://t.co/l8tQryZwIW pic.twitter.com/OEHkAPJy6N
— Pittsburgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) January 28, 2022
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced that 3,198 bridges in the state of Pennsylvania are in “poor” condition.
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