Bridge collapses as semi-truck hauling 4 times the weight limit crosses it
From 13 KRCG:
An Osage County bridge collapsed as a semi-truck, carrying about four times the weight allotted for the bridge, crossed over it on Monday afternoon.
Osage County Sheriff Michael Bonham reported the Penecostal Bridge, located on County Road 611 near Westphalia, collapsed on Monday.
Second District Commissioner in Osage County, Larry Kliethermes, said he spoke with the driver who claimed he was trying to back up the truck.
Kliethermes said the driver most likely hit the bridge, causing it to collapse. He said the bridge just passed an inspection last week.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the semi-truck was hauling feed weighing at least 40,000 pounds, about four times the bridge's weight limit. This weight does not include the weight of the truck and the trailer.
The highway patrol said the bridge is posted at five tons, the equivalent of 10,000 pounds.
The bridge collapsed into the Maries River as the truck began crossing the one-lane bridge.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol was on the scene Monday afternoon.
The City of Westphalia reported a driver is okay after a semi attempted to cross the Penecostal Bridge and it collapsed.
Sheriff Bonham is urging residents to stay out of the area.
No injuries were reported in the incident and the MSHP said the investigation is ongoing.
Crews on the scene said they have been removing debris and plan on trying to pull up the truck Tuesday.