WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — A pedestrian bridge collapsed in Washington, D.C., injuring at least five people and trapping cars underneath.
During a briefing, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Chris Geldart stated a tanker truck carrying diesel crashing into the top of the bridge may have caused the collapse. Multiple vehicles then collided into each other after the initial crash by the truck.
“The truck itself fits under the bridge, the back part of it may not have,” said Geldart.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the crash and other bridges the truck may have passed under.
The D.C. Department of Energy and Environment reported the truck was carrying 500 gallons of diesel with about 25 gallons spilling into nearby drains.
D.C. Fire and EMS’ hazmat team used absorbents to soak up spilled diesel so the Department of Energy and Environment believes there will not be a major environmental impact.
At least one other car was struck by debris.
Pictures posted by DC Fire and EMS show multiple cars stuck around and under the bridge.
D.C. officials report the bridge was last inspected in February of this year and found to be structurally sound.
I-295, a major highway in the D.C. area, was closed in both directions, officials said. The highway is expected to be closed through Thursday as officials work to clear the roadway.
Traffic is blocked on both sides of the bridge. The collapse occurred between Kenilworth Ave and Polk St. NE.
This is a developing story, check back soon for updates
