Neb. bridge worker survives being trapped by falling bridge planks

Updated Sep 9, 2016

RoadClosedSign-BetterRoadsA county crew was installing a 30-foot-long retaining wall under a closed bridge in Lancaster County, Nebraska, on September 1, when when wooden planks fell on one of the workers. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the worker was trapped under the planks, but members of the crew were able to free him using chainsaws.

Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner told the news agency that his office and Lincoln Fire and Rescue responded to the call between 12:30 and 2 p.m. from the bridge at North 112th and Alvo Road. He said the 47-year-old worker had a broken right arm and several broken ribs.

According to the news agency, Lancaster County Engineer Pam Dingman confirmed that the man was a Lancaster County employee, adding that the road crew was using practices similar to those they have used in the past and that they are investigating the accident and waiting for details of his injuries.

“We of course are extraordinarily concerned, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” Dingman told the news agency.