A Port Authority bus and a car that were on the bridge when it collapsed early on Friday
(AP)
A bus and several cars plummeted into a ravine as a bridge in Pittsburgh collapsed.
Pictures from the Frick Park area show the cracked, snow-covered bridge lying in the ravine, with emergency services on the scene on Friday morning.
Despite several vehicles beind thrown from the bridge as it collapsed, emergency services reported there had been no fatalities, while paramedics reported 10 people had suffered injuries, including one firefighter who was being treated at the scene, Trib live reported.
Following the collapse, a smell of natural gas had been reported in the area. “When it collapsed it cut the line,” Peoples Gas spokesman Barry Kukovich told the Trib. “We are turning off the gas in the immediate area.”
“Gas line has been cut. Updates on injuries will be provided once PIO is on scene. Red Cross has been contacted for victim assistance,” Pittsburgh Public safety said in a tweet.
The collapse of the bridge comes hours before President Joe Biden is set to visit Pittsburgh to discuss plans to improve the country’s infrastructure.
Rep Mike Doyle says collapse is ‘tragic example’ of why investment in infrastructure is needed
Mike Doyle, US member of Congress representing Pennsylvania’s 18th District, tweets: “The Forbes Avenue bridge collapse is a major challenge for our community. It will disrupt transportation in PGH for months at least. I’ve been in touch with the White House, @gainey_ed and @ACE_Fitzgerald to ask for help and facilitate coordination on rebuilding it.”
He adds: “This is a tragic example of why the #infrastructure bill Congress just enacted is needed. We should be constantly investing MORE in our infrastructure so our bridges and other public works don’t reach this point of disrepair.”
Oliver O’Connell28 January 2022 15:35
Secretary Buttigieg ‘closely monitoring situation’
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is closely monitoring the situation at Frick Park.
He tweeted: “Closely monitoring the situation at Frick Park Bridge in Pittsburgh, and grateful for the first responders on scene. Our Department is in touch with @PennDOTNews and local authorities to offer our support. @USDOT stands ready to assist.”
Oliver O’Connell28 January 2022 15:26
Mayor Ed Gainey thanks public safety officers
Mayor of Pittsburgh Ed Gainey, who visited the scene earlier this morning, tweets: “Today a bridge collapsed near Forbes and S Braddock. I am thankful there are no reported fatalities or critical injuries at this time. Thank you @PghPublicSafety for the quick response and thank you to the county, state, and federal governments for the cooperation and assistance.”
Oliver O’Connell28 January 2022 15:21
In pictures: Pittsburgh bridge collapse
A Port Authority bus and a car that were on the bridge when it collapsed early on Friday
(AP)
(AP)
(AP)
Oliver O’Connell28 January 2022 15:18
The City of Bridges
Pittsburgh is affectionately known as the “City of Bridges” and boasts more than any other city in the world. This and its long history of manufacturing are why it was chosen for President Joe Biden’s planned remarks on jobs and infrastructure later today.
Affectionately known as the “City of Bridges,” Pittsburgh boasts 446 bridges – more than any other city in the world, including Venice, Italy. Long before the majestic bridges soared above the Three Rivers, Pittsburgh was a rugged terrain of deep valleys, creeks, and rivers, isolating many of the city’s residents.
Mr Biden is scheduled to speak at Carnegie Mellon University at 2pm on strengthening the nation’s supply chains, revitalising American manufacturing, creating good-paying, union jobs, and building a better America, including through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Oliver O’Connell28 January 2022 15:12
Scale of collapse became evident as daylight improved
The scale of the collapse became evident to emergency responders as the sun rose over the scene.
Oliver O’Connell28 January 2022 15:03
Biden visit to continue
The collapse came hours before President Joe Biden was to visit the city to press for his $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which includes bridge maintenance.
In a statement, the White House said Biden would proceed with his planned trip to Pittsburgh.
“Our team is in touch with state and local officials on the ground as they continue to gather information about the cause of the collapse,” the statement said. “The President is grateful to the first responders who rushed to assist the drivers who were on the bridge at the time.”
Oliver O’Connell28 January 2022 14:53
Human chain formed to rescue people from bus
Rescuers rappelled nearly 150 feet (46 metres) down to the scene, while others formed a human chain to help rescue multiple people from the dangling bus.
Oliver O’Connell28 January 2022 14:40
City bus among the vehicles on bridge at time of collapse
A city bus can be seen on the collapsed portion of the bridge.
Oliver O’Connell28 January 2022 14:31
