MENDENHALL, Mississippi — A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon when a bridge that was undergoing demolition collapsed, leading to the reported deaths of at least three individuals and injuring four others, as per authorities’ statements.

Simpson County Sheriff Paul Mullins confirmed the unfortunate outcomes, including both fatalities and injuries, according to reports from local media.

The coroner’s office in Simpson County was dispatched to the site to manage the situation, though further specifics surrounding the incident were not immediately available.

In a statement issued by the Mississippi Department of Transportation, it was highlighted that the bridge spanning the Strong River on State Route 149 has been non-operational since September 18. This closure was implemented as part of an ongoing bridge replacement initiative managed by the contractor, T.L. Wallace.

Anna Ehrgott, a spokesperson for the transportation department, expressed the commitment of the agency to provide additional details to the public as more information becomes accessible regarding the incident.