Three dead and four injured in an accident that demolished a bridge in Mississippi

Three people died and at least four were injured in an industrial accident on a bridge being demolished in Simpson County, Mississippi, police told WJTV.

According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the bridge along State Route 149 over the Strong River in the town of D’Lo had been closed to traffic since Sept. 18 as part of a bridge replacement project.

“Regrettably, there were fatalities as a result of the accident and we extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones,” the agency said said in a statement on Wednesday.

The names of the victims have not been released at this time. The Independent has reached out to the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office for comment.

A contractor was demolishing the bridge when the accident occurred.

Witnesses reported that WAPT ambulances were on site. Simpson County sheriff’s deputies and state transportation officials also responded to the scene.

A state transportation inspector was on scene during the incident and was uninjured.

Officials said a contracting firm called TL Wallace oversaw the demolition.

The Independent asked TL Wallace for comment.

According to its website, the company employs over 250 people and works on large utility projects valued at over $100 million.

“It is a very sad situation and I pray for all the families affected. Nothing like that happens here and it’s just a very sad occasion. It’s just sad,” Simpson County resident Alisha Camper told WJTV.