3 Injured After Overpass Under Construction Collapses

Officials say part of a Highway 101 overpass under construction in Willits, Calfornia, collapsed injuring at least three people.

California Highway Patrol spokeswoman Kylar Adams tells the Santa Rosa Press Democrat five people were working in the construction zone when the collapse happened Thursday. One worker was trapped in the debris and later freed. He and two of his co-workers had major injuries and were hospitalized.

The 5.9-mile overpass has been beset by lengthy delays and cost overruns. The $210-million project is 50 percent complete and already two years behind schedule.

Lawsuits and protests by opponents who say the project is unnecessary and damaging to the environment have contributed to the delay.

State occupational safety investigators are expected to visit the site on Friday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us