DID YOU KNOW?: Cincinnati Bridge Collapses

The collapsed bridge in Cincinatti

Elanie Prater, Staff Writer
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

The Thunder