1 dead after bridge construction accident

The bridge is part of a project designed to replace two Interstate 10 spans heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina with higher, stronger structures.

The Associated Press

10/30/2008

NEW ORLEANS — One worker was killed and nine others were rescued after they fell about 30 feet into Lake Pontchartrain from the bridge they were working on.

"A girder gave way and the workers fell 30 to 35 feet into the water," St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain said following the Thursday midday accident.

Nine of the workers were quickly rescued and only two people were taken to hospitals. Strain said he did not believe their injuries were serious. The most serious injury was believed to be a broken arm.

The body of the other worker was located under the fallen girder in about 10 feet of water. A crane was being brought in to remove the girder so the body can be recovered, Strain said.