Wheeling, West Virginia: Bridge collapse during demolition injures three Workers

Residents in Wheeling, West Virginia are still reeling after a bridge collapse on Wednesday afternoon that sent three construction workers to the hospital. The Washington Avenue Bridge, which spans Wheeling Creek, gave way just before 2 p.m. while crew were actively working to demolish it.

According to the Wheeling Fire Department, the bridge had been closed since last month and was already scheduled for demolition when the incident occurred. Three workers were on the structure at the time of the collapse and fell into the creek below. One worker suffered serious injuries, while the other two were treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening. All three were transported to Wheeling Hospital for medical care. Emergency crews responded quickly and cleared the scene shortly afterward.

The collapse sent shockwaves through the surrounding neighborhood. Kristina Butler, who was working at Greco’s Italian restaurant in a nearby shopping plaza, said first responders flooded Washington Avenue, leaving nearby businesses and customers confused and concerned. People in the area felt and heard the collapse, with some shaking chairs and a loud boom echoing through nearby stores.

The bridge is owned by the city, and the West Virginia Department of Transportation confirmed it has been under construction since early December. Crews were in the process of removing the bridge deck when it failed. Officials said the steel structure remains in the creek, while portions of the deck and construction equipment are still visible above the water.

Butler expressed sympathy for the injured workers, noting the risks they face daily on the job. While acknowledging construction work is dangerous, she said no one expects to be hurt simply doing their job. The incident has also raised concerns among residents about the future of the bridge. Originally scheduled to be completely replaced by 2026, neighbors now worry about potential delays and whether work will continue safely.