Bridge Collapse Investigation Continues

Merrillville, Indiana - Investigators want a structural engineer to inspect a northwestern Indiana pedestrian bridge that collapsed after a fireworks show, spilling about 50 people into a lake.

Merrillville police suspect a rusty I-beam in the collapse of the wooden bridge Saturday night at Hidden Lake Park. But Ross Township Fire Lt. Phil Topor says the department is seeking records on the bridge's construction.

Ross Township Trustee John Rooda says the township park's bridge

was inspected about a year ago and had its decking replaced. Rooda says the bridge should have no more than 40 people on it, but Assistant Police Chief Jim Donohue says there are no signs indicating the bridge's capacity.

Rooda said the worst injuries were a man with a broken collarbone and a woman's broken leg.