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UPDATE: Strong River bridge collapse on State Route 149
MCCOMB, MISS. – On the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 17, a tragic work site accident occurred on a bridge replacement project site on State Route 149 over the Strong River in Simpson County. The bridge had been closed to traffic since Sept. 18 to facilitate the removal of the existing bridge and construction of a new one.
T. L. Wallace, the contractor for the project, was in the process of demolishing the Strong River bridge when a portion they were working on collapsed. Sadly, three workers died, and four others were injured. An MDOT employee was at the work site when the bridge collapsed and was unharmed. Following the collapse, other workers, MDOT staff, law enforcement and other first responders quickly reacted to help rescue and recover those involved. MDOT would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who bravely responded to this accident, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected.
At this time, the cause of the collapse is unknown. The project is currently on hold until an investigation can be completed.
Bridge Replacement Project Background
The Strong River bridge replacement is part of a $25 million project to replace four bridges along State Route 149. The contract for the project was awarded to T.L. Wallace of Columbia, Miss., and construction began in spring 2023. The project is taking place in two phases. Phase 1 called for the replacement of the Sellers Creek bridge, the Dabbs Creek bridge and the Dabbs Creek relief box bridge. The Seller’s Creek bridge is currently open to traffic. The two Dabbs Creek bridges are nearly complete but still closed to traffic.
Phase 2 of the project called for the replacement of the Strong River bridge, which was closed to traffic in September. Most of the bridges included in the project were built more than 80 years ago and programed for replacement due to their age and condition. Currently, the project is estimated to be complete in about 12-18 months. However, the bridge collapse and resulting investigation may affect the project timeline.
A release regarding the accident from T.L. Wallace is below.
T.L. Wallace Construction, Inc. mourns the loss of three (3) employees
Columbia, MS – October 16, 2024 – T.L. Wallace Construction, Inc., is devastated to confirm the tragic death of three (3) of our dedicated employees at a construction site in Simpson County, MS on October 16, 2024. The individuals who lost their lives, Charles Badger, Kevin Malone, and Charles Igleharte were cherished members of our community and our team. Their friendships will never be forgotten.
The circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are currently under investigation by local authorities. T.L. Wallace Construction, Inc., is fully cooperating with the investigation to understand how this tragedy occurred.
At this time, we ask for prayers and support for the families and loved ones of the deceased. Our hearts go out to them during this incredibly difficult time. T.L. Wallace Construction, Inc., is committed to providing assistance to the families as they navigate through this unimaginable loss.
As a local business, we deeply feel the impact of this tragedy within our community. We encourage everyone to come together in support of those affected, honoring the memory of our dear friends and colleagues.
Sincerely,
Douglas F. Blackwell
MageeNews.com. is the online news source for Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the state of Mississippi.