3 hurt as big rig, car plunge 30 feet from East Texas bridge

Bridge inspections nationwide are reaching new heights. An East Texas span collapsed Wednesday, sending an 18-wheeler and a car into a creek and injuring three people.

The Associated Press

9/11/2008

DALLAS — A bridge under construction collapsed in East Texas, sending a car and a tractor trailer plunging at least 30 feet over a creek and injuring three people.

Kaufman County Sheriff Sgt. Bryan Francis told The Associated Press the collapse occurred when a loaded 18-wheeler was crossing the bridge. Both it and a car behind it tumbled when the bridge buckled, but neither vehicle went into the creek.

The bridge collapse near Prairieville was reported at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday in southeastern Kaufman County, close to Cedar Creek.

Fire departments responding to a 911 call used ropes and baskets to rescue two trapped people. The center section of the "bridge completely collapsed and is on the ground," Francis said.

It took rescuers nearly an hour to bring one of the victims to safety. She was flown to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler and was in serious condition at last report, Francis said.

The other two victims were taken by ambulance to local hospitals in stable condition. He did not know which hospitals they were taken to. The driver of the tractor trailer was not hurt.

Francis said Texas Department of Transportation construction workers were in the area. He said TXDOT would take over the investigation. Officials on Wednesday planned to seal off the road to prevent anyone else from falling into the creek.

"We are thankful there weren't any more serious injuries," he said.