July 6, 2009 - Dozens Injured in Indiana Bridge Collapse

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At least 26 people were injured and almost 100 ended up in a Merrillville, Ind., lake when a 90-foot wooden suspension bridge collapsed, police said.

Lt. Phil Topor of the Ross Township Fire Service told the Northwest Indiana Times about 26 people were injured when the bridge collapsed Saturday. Ambulances took 16 to the hospital and others drove themselves, Topor said.

Injuries ranged from lacerations to broken bones.

Because the collapse took place about 10:15 p.m., just after fireworks ended at nearby Hidden Lake Park, firefighters, medics and police were nearby and dove into the lake to pull people out of the water. Murky water and crowds near the lake hampered their rescue attempts.

Topor said the emergency workers stayed at the lake until about 1:15 a.m. Sunday. They were assisted by the Lake County Aquatics Team and the Lake County Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit.

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