The Interstate 5 bridge, which crosses the Skagit River in Washington state, collapsed on Thursday, dropping three motorists into the water. Komo News reports that no one was killed but the extent of injuries is not known.
Local news source KIRO 7, speaking to an eyewitness, writes that a semi-truck struck one of the bridge girders, causing a chain effect:
"He hit the bridge about 3 or 4 feet wider than the actual bridge was, and there was a big puff of dust. I hit the brakes, (but with) the weight of the trailer and everything else we went right off the bridge as it collapsed into the Skagit River."
According to the Seattle Times, the collapse is sure to cause traffic disruptions, especially ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Authorities have advised travelers to plan a different route ahead of time. Meanwhile, the DOT says it will have the bridge up and running in a matter of weeks.
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