A significant fire erupted underneath a bridge spanning the Ohio River, resulting in the closure of a crucial route connecting Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. The incident, which occurred overnight near a playground under the bridge, led to the shutdown of Interstate 471 by the Cincinnati Fire Department. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Video footage captured flames reaching heights exceeding 40 feet and causing damage to a portion of the steel structure of the bridge, recognized for its distinctive yellow arches, in the vicinity of downtown Cincinnati. Concrete debris fell from the bridge, and several steel beams were distorted by the intense heat, as confirmed by fire crews.
The most severe destruction was observed on the southbound lanes of the bridge leading to Kentucky, necessitating extensive repair work that is anticipated to take several weeks to complete, according to a spokesperson from the Ohio Department of Transportation. It was noted that at least three beams and a segment of the roadway will require replacement.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire, as stated by the city's fire chief. The flames were fueled by combustible materials such as mulch, plastic, and wooden playground structures located beneath the bridge. Over 60 firefighters collaborated to successfully contain the fire and prevent further escalation of the situation.
