WHEELING, W.Va. — Three workers were taken to the hospital Wednesday afternoon after a bridge collapsed in Wheeling.
The Washington Avenue Bridge over Wheeling Creek collapsed around 2 p.m. Reports indicate three people have been rescued from the debris. One of those injured was serious, the other two suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The bridge was closed to traffic for repairs on December 2nd. Construction crews were on the bridge today when it gave way along with construction equipment.
“Workers were on the bridge dismantling it and all of a sudden, the bridge collapses and falls into the creek below,” said Wheeling Police Department Public Information Officer Phillip Stahl. “We’re not really sure what transpired during those events, but there were three workers, one of them in a dump truck, the other in an excavator, and a third person on the bridge deck itself.”
Stahl told MetroNews that crews were quick on the scene.
“The fire department, police department, sheriff’s office and emergency management all rushed to the scene and were able to get down into the creek pretty quickly and get access. Water levels are pretty low this time of year,” Stahl said.
“They were able to rescue the three workers and transport all of them to the hospital,” he continued.
Stahl said the workers were removing the bridge deck and were somewhere in the middle of the bridge when it collapsed.
He was not able to confirm exactly what part of the bridge gave way.
According to a news release form the city of Wheeling in November, the bridge closed December 2nd to allow for tis replacement. The new bridge which is getting under construction was due to open October 2026. The replacement came after significant structural deterioration was noticed in recent year. The bridge underwent repairs in 2021. The weight limits for the span were reduced even before the closure.