Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D) spoke to CNN while at the scene of the collapsed bridge in Pittsburgh on Friday morning, saying he was “speechless” looking at the aftermath of the incident.
On Friday, a bridge near South Braddock and Forbes avenues fell just hours before President Biden was expected to arrive in the city for an infrastructure event.
The spokesperson for Allegheny County said a total of 10 injuries were reported. All the injuries were not life threatening, and only three people were taken to the hospital.
Four vehicles were reported on the bridge at the time of the collapse, according to the spokesperson.
“Thankfully the schools were on a two-hour delay for weather so the traffic was less than it would have been normally,” Fetterman, who is also running for Senate, stated.
“I’m speechless,” Fetterman told CNN, noting it was “surreal” seeing the bridge he’s driven on many times fall.
Fetterman said the entire span of the bridge dropped about 60 feet into a walking trail below. The Pittsburgh Public Safety Department is telling the public to avoid the trail and park.
The bridge collapse also caused a natural gas line to break, which authorities have already turned off.
Pittsburgh Fire Department Chief Darryl Jones said the gas should be turned back on soon and evacuated families were able to return to their homes, CNN reported.
“Several families were evacuated from their homes. They have been allowed back. We are told by the gas company that all their gas service has been restored,” Jones said.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden will still attend the event in Pittsburgh and his team is in contact with local and state authorities regarding the bridge.