Desert Center California Bridge Collapse: I-10 Freeway Closed In Both Directions, Injury Reported
A span of Interstate 10 (or the 10 Freeway) was shut down by the California Highway Patrol after the Desert Center bridge collapsed. Reportedly, one person was injured when their car got trapped.
According to the Los Angeles Times, a section of bridge that is typically dry, some 50 miles due west of Arizona, where it borders with California, washed away late Sunday evening. The eastbound side is the only area of impact, but authorities closed off both sides to traffic as a precaution.
Bridge collapses on I-10 in Desert Center, traps vehicle injuring one. Freeway closed (photo credit: @KESQ) pic.twitter.com/YLfD2LZtgR
— Julie Sone (@ABC7JulieSone) July 20, 2015
According to local media sources, rescue workers from the Riverside Fire Department arrived on the scene. There, firefighters managed to rescue a motorist whose car crashed when the Desert Center bridge collapsed. At this time, the injuries sustained are not life-threatening.
There are reports of drivers stranded in “miles of traffic” along the interstate system. According to the National Weather Service, heavy rains were falling in the area ahead of the bridge collapse. Normally, this time of the month is dry. However, an unusual system moved into the area and left it inundated with rainfall over two days.
The freak weather pattern is due to remnants from tropical storm Dolores. It ushered in muggy weather and high humidity. Meteorologist Joe Sirard weighed in on the recent rainfall.
“We have a chance of some more heavy rain in L.A. County this evening, thunderstorms, lightning, possibly some localized street flooding.”
Apparently, a combination of the dry terrain and sudden heavy rain caused the bridge in Desert Center to collapse. And, according to weather experts, a new round of precipitation is in the forecast. Motorists are advised to drive safely and have patience.
This story is developing.
