Indiana Pedestrian Bridge Collapses During Fourth Celebration
By Anthonia Akitunde in News on Jul 5, 2009 4:15PM
Holiday celebrations ended abruptly and horrifically for many gathered on a pedestrian bridge in Merrillville, Ind. Saturday evening. The bridge, holding an estimated 100, collapsed as people dispersed after a fireworks show that evening, according to Chicago Breaking News. While there were significant injuries, no one died and everyone was rescued, reported a Merrillville dispatcher.
Witnesses said the structure, described as a "very old suspension bridge," was packed with people when it fell. In a telephone conversation with Chicago Breaking News, witness James Daniels said he heard creaking as people crossed the bridge en masse. "We knew the bridge was going to collapse," he said.
Daniels said he heard people screaming, splashing in the water and calling out to their loved ones. He said at least 50 emergency vehicles were called to the scene. Dive teams were also used to rescue people from the water. At least 16 people were rushed to the hospital, with more possibly taking themselves to receive care, said Perry Herzog, a Ross Township firefighter. [Chicago Breaking News]