OVERCROWDED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE COLLAPSES
Spectators at a Fourth of July fireworks show in Merrillville, Indiana, were injured on Saturday night when a pedestrian bridge collapsed as thousands of people were leaving Hidden Lake Park. The bridge, which is reported to have had the capacity to handle 40 people, had twice as many people on it at the time of the collapse. Although the Merrillville Police Department positioned officers at either end of the bridge to control crowds, a rush of people leaving the Park after the show may have contributed to the bridge collapse.
The structural integrity of the bridge is also under suspicion, as a preliminary investigation revealed a cracked foundation in one of the bridge's steel supports. Investigators will review the bridge's construction and inspection records before making a final determination.
It is reported that between 50 and 120 adults and children fell about ten feet into the lake below the bridge when it collapsed. Rescuers pulled frantic injured swimmers from eight-foot deep waters. Approximately 25 injured people were treated at hospitals with the most serious injuries known to be a fractured collarbone and a broken leg.
Hidden Lake Park's Annual Fourth of July Celebration attracts over 15,000 visitors over a two-day period. Hidden Lake Park is part of the Ross Township Park System. The Park, which was temporarily closed after Saturday's tragedy, re-opened earlier this week.
