Concerns Raised After Fatal Bridge Wreck in Missouri

A fatal accident on a Mississippi River crossing in northeast Missouri is raising concerns about the safety of the narrow 83-year-old structure.

The accident on the Champ Clark Bridge at Louisiana, Mo., happened Wednesday, killing 40-year-old Kyle David Brown of Lake St. Louis, Mo.

Authorities say the tire of a tractor-trailer carrying logging equipment struck the guardrail of the 20-foot-wide bridge. Logging equipment fell into the path of Brown’s sport utility vehicle. Brown died at the scene.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was ticketed for improper lane use. Authorities say an investigation continues to determine if the tractor-trailer was too wide for the bridge.

The bridge was shut down for about six hours while the accident was cleared and temporary repairs were made to the guardrail.