PITTSBURGH, PA – At 6:39 a.m. on January 28, rescue crews responded to the Forbes Avenue Bridge in Frick Park after the bridge collapsed near Forbes and South Braddock. Five vehicles and one Port Authority bus were on the bridge at the time.
Ten people were evaluated and treated for minor injuries, including some first responders. Three people were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
“I am thankful for the quick response and dedication of the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department, and for the cooperation and assistance of the county, state, and federal governments,” said Mayor Ed Gainey.
Rescue operations concluded just after 8:30 a.m.
“Due to the scale of the collapse, we activated the mass casualty plan,” said Chief Darryl Jones, Emergency Management Coordinator for EMA. “Thank you to all our partners at all levels for their assistance and work as we continue to navigate this scene.”
Response included Allegheny County and Pennsylvania State authorities. The Pennsylvania State Police provided a UAV drone to scan the collapse site for situational awareness purposes. Ross/Westview and Baldwin EMS were also on scene.
Jones activated Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) assets to search for possible victims underneath the collapsed bridge, which is where crews will now focus their efforts. PA USAR Strike Team 1 will work to check for void spaces under the bridge.
“First responders worked quickly and effectively together, sharing resources and information,” said acting Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt, “their diligence ensured everyone on the bridge was safe.”
Additionally, the collapse ruptured gas lines that ran along the bridge, causing a large gas leak. Gas crews shut the gas off within thirty minutes. Several families were evacuated from their homes nearby as a precaution and have since been cleared for re-entry.
The cause of the collapse is under investigation.
Frick Park is closed to pedestrians and vehicles as crews continue their work.