WESTPHALIA, MO. — A steel bridge with a weight limit of 5 tons collapsed when a semi hauling at least 20 tons of cargo attempted to cross it near Westphalia, Missouri.
The single-lane bridge, known to locals as the Penecostal Bridge, collapsed into the Maries River when a driver of a semi attempted to cross it despite being at least 30,000 pounds too heavy for the structure.
#OsageCounty Update:
— MSHP Troop F (@MSHPTrooperF) August 17, 2020
Unit was carrying feed. Preliminary info indicates it had at least 40,000 lbs. in cargo, not including the weight of truck & trailer. Bridge is posted at 5 tons.
*1 ton = 2,000 lbs. pic.twitter.com/nWhtHQFp3X
Photos provided by law enforcement officials show the destroyed semi at the river’s edge after falling dozens of feet below.
We’re on scene of a one-lane bridge collapse on County Road 611, near Westphalia.
— MSHP Troop F (@MSHPTrooperF) August 17, 2020
No reported injuries. Bridge collapsed into Maries River as truck began crossing. Investigation ongoing. #OsageCounty
📸: Cpl. Holzschuh pic.twitter.com/kIOsijZoqw
No one was injured in the mishap, according to The Missouri State Highway Patrol.
According to Bridgehunter.com the bridge was completed in 1893 and reinforced 1902.
The website BridgeReports.com said a 2017 inspection found the bridge in “poor” condition. The website utilizes data from Federal government’s National Bridge Inventory (NBI.)
Officials say an investigation is ongoing.
Below are images posted on Facebook by the City of Westphalia of the bridge prior to collapse. In one of the photos the weight limit can be seen posted on the right side of the bridge.
Cox Media Group
