Ohio investigators probe fatal collapse of highway overpass

CINCINNATI - Officials are investigating the collapse of a highway overpass that was undergoing demolition - an accident that killed a construction worker and injured a truck driver in Cincinnati Monday night and also caused a traffic disruption expected to last for days.

Transportation authorities said southbound lanes of Interstate 75 through Cincinnati would be shut down for at least 48 hours, CBS News affiliate WKRC reported.

Workers were removing the ramp that had recently been replaced by a new one when it pancaked down on top of southbound lanes north of the Ohio River and downtown Cincinnati.

Police Chief Jeff Blackwell said were taking down the old bridge when something went "terribly wrong."

"The big-rig driver is very lucky; in a matter of seconds his fate would have probably been different," Blackwell said.

The driver was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with minor injuries.

Fire officials said the truck struck the collapsed section as the bridge hit the ground. They said the construction worker was killed in the collapse.

"This is an industrial incident. A workplace incident, with respect to a construction crew that was doing work out here," City Manager Harry Black said at a news conference early Tuesday. "Something went wrong and a tragedy occurred as a result.

"As of right now, it occurs there has been a loss of life of one person," Black continued. "We don't believe there has been any other loss of life. Our teams are here surveying the situation and conducting the necessary investigation."

Ohio transportation officials said the interstate will be closed at least 48 to 72 hours. Authorities have many tons of concrete, steel and other debris to remove and must inspect for pavement damage.