Another Causualty

Construction Scaffolding On Bridge Collapses, Sending 9 Workers Into Water
POSTED: 1:43 pm CDT June 14, 2007
UPDATED: 3:44 am CDT June 15, 2007

BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. -- Rescue crews said one worker died and another is missing after their scaffolding collapsed on the U.S. 90 bridge over the Bay of St. Louis on Thursday afternoon.

Nine workers fell into the bay, officials said.

16 WAPT spoke with the wife of the worker killed in the collapse. She identified him as Al Pennaman, of Jackson.

Poor weather hampered the search for the missing construction worker. Helicopters, boats and divers were being used in the search. But rescue workers said weather conditions could force the suspension of the search from the air.

Rescue workers said they were no longer on a search-and-rescue mission, and instead were in recovery mode.

Mississippi Department of Transportation District Engineer Ricky Lee said that a portion of the forming system used to pour supports collapsed and fell into the water.

Sheriff's Department Maj. Wayne Payne said the bridge is reopened, and authorities want to assure the public it is safe for travel.

He said the mishap was limited to the construction side of the bridge.