DID YOU KNOW?: Cincinnati Bridge Collapses
USA Today- The Inquirer, Patrick Reddy
The collapsed bridge in Cincinatti
January 20, 2015
- The Hopple overpass on Interstate 75 was undergoing demolition late Monday 1/19 when it collapsed
- The bridge collapse killed a construction worker and caused the stretch to be shut down on the interstate for a couple days
- The structure was part of the old northbound off-ramp to Hopple Street
- A semi-tractor trailer driver crashed into the rubble
- An injured truck driver was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with minor injuries
- Dispatchers called it a “major” collapse, and officials said they were launching an investigation into the bridge’s ratings
- Investigators are still seeking the cause of the collapse and said the investigation could take months
- Construction worker and father of four Brandon Carl, 35, was killed in the collapse; Carl had been in a backhoe on top of the bridge
- Crews used airbags to lift the debris and remove Carl’s body about 2:45 a.m. on Tuesday 1/20
- I-75 reopened Tuesday night, less than 24 hours after the old Hopple Street overpass collapsed onto the interstate’s southbound lanes
- The agency said it is bringing in outside experts to help with the investigation
- The engineers will be at the disaster site Thursday for an inspection
- Cincinnati Police Chief Blackwell said police conducted a death investigation with special investigators rather than a traffic investigation
