By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Ten people suffered minor injuries after a bridge collapsed at Point Breeze early Friday morning.
Pittsburgh Fire Department Superintendent Darryl Jones told reporters shortly after 8:30 a.m. that 10 people were injured, three of whom were taken to the hospital. Jones said none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Image source: Jeremy Habowski
According to the Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety, crews were called to the scene in the area of Forbes and Braddock Avenue before 7 a.m. Friday.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey tweeted at 9:44 a.m. an impressive aerial photo from above of the scene of the collapse.
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Today a bridge collapsed near Forbes and S Braddock. I am grateful that no deaths or serious injuries have been reported at this time. Thank you @PghPublicSafety for a quick response and thank the county, state, and federal governments for their cooperation and support. pic.twitter.com/tTld6t62rn
– Ed Gainey (@gainey_ed) January 28, 2022
Several cars as well as a Port Authority bus were involved in the collapse. The three people taken to the hospital were all on the bus at the time of the crash, Jones said.
“It was like a giant snow plow… pushing along the surface without the snow,” said neighbor Wendy Stroh. “I don’t know what it is… It’s very scary.”
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The Forbes Ave Bridge crosses #frickpark in #pittsburgh collapsed around 6am. Several vehicles and a bus on the bridge. No injuries have been reported. There is a strong smell of natural gas. Avoid the area #pittsburghbridgecollapse pic.twitter.com/ykkE4YjiiX
– Greg Barnhisel (@gbarnhisel) January 28, 2022
Just hours before President Joe Biden’s scheduled speech in Pittsburgh on the historic $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said the bridge spans the Park. Dog Dam Dog was just tested last September.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Twitter that Biden was aware of the collapse and was in contact with state and local officials.
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.@POTUS was informed of the bridge collapse in Pittsburgh. Our team is communicating with local and state officials on the ground as they continue to gather information on the cause of the home collapse.
– Jen Psaki (@PressSec) January 28, 2022
Andy Sheehan of KDKA-TV reported that he was told that Biden could visit the site on Friday before or after his speech. KDKA will continue to keep an eye on that possibility.
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READ MORE: Pittsburgh Weather: 1-3 inches of snow expected for Friday
WATCH: Mayor Ed Gainey, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Sheriff Darryl Jones Provide Updates
“This bipartisan infrastructure law is very important,” said Gainey. “At the end of the day, it’s important that we get this funding.”
“I hope it’s a wake-up call to the nation that we need to make these important investments,” said Pennsylvania Governor John Fetterman.
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SEE: The Bryant Reed Report
Bryant Reed of KDKA-TV reported a strong smell of natural gas in the area; That gas line has been cut.
Homes are being evacuated as crews respond, but Jones said gas service has been restored and families are allowed to return to their homes.
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We are monitoring the situation in Pittsburgh and are prepared to assist as needed.
Pittsburgh Residents: Please stay safe and continue to avoid the area. https://t.co/4eVtJOIdPw
– Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) January 28, 2022
It is not known what caused the bridge to collapse.
Councilman Corey O’Connor told KDKA in a phone interview that the collapse could cause traffic headaches for several years.
“This is an important road, a lifeline, in our area,” he said. “This is the first part of the road that is heavily used, going around the tunnel. We are looking at the possibility of closing for a few years here. “
Jones said Relief Teams and the Red Cross have been activated to assist.
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Stay with KDKA.com for more details
https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2022/01/28/frick-park-bridge-collapse-latest-updates/ 10 minor injuries reported, 3 taken to hospital – CBS Pittsburgh
