### Tragic Bridge Collapse in Mississippi: Three Dead and Four Injured

A catastrophic incident occurred in Mississippi on Wednesday afternoon when a bridge preparing for demolition collapsed, leading to the tragic deaths of three people and injuring four others. The accident took place on the Strong River Bridge, part of State Route 149, located approximately 40 miles south of Jackson.

Governor Tate Reeves confirmed via social media that multiple injuries and at least three fatalities resulted from the accident. Emergency response teams from the Simpson County Sheriff's Office, state and county emergency management offices, and other state resources were promptly dispatched to the scene.

The Simpson County Sheriff's Office received reports of the tragedy around 3 p.m. Upon arrival, deputies discovered three deceased construction workers, identified as Kevin Malone, Charles Ingleharte, and Charles Badger. Four additional individuals who sustained injuries were transported to local hospitals for medical attention, according to Simpson County Coroner Terry Tutor.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) noted that the bridge had been shut off to traffic since September 18 as part of a replacement project. Contractors were in the midst of demolishing the bridge when it unexpectedly collapsed. An MDOT inspector overseeing the project was on-site during the collapse but escaped unharmed.

The demolition and replacement of the Strong River Bridge were part of a larger infrastructure overhaul managed by T.L. Wallace Construction Company. The bridge, originally constructed in 1935, was among the 3% of Mississippi's bridges considered to be in poor condition according to the former president of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Maria Lehman.

Lehman highlighted that while Mississippi has been managing its aging infrastructure effectively, the overall condition of bridges across the United States remains alarming. A recent report by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association revealed that nearly 49% of U.S. bridges are in fair condition, with approximately 6.8% classified as being in poor condition, underscoring the urgent need for repairs and upgrades nationwide.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg acknowledged the incident on social media, noting that he had been briefed on the premature collapse and announced that the Federal Highway Administration is investigating the accident in coordination with state officials.