Willis bridge collapses after concrete truck attempts to cross

A wooden bridge in northern Montgomery County collapsed after a concrete truck smashed through the beams while crossing Thursday morning, officials say. 

Around 8 a.m., Montgomery County ESD No. 1 firefighters responded to the bridge collapse near the Walnut Cove neighborhood of Willis, said Fire Chief Jason Oliphant.

The truck driver was not injured in the crash, Oliphant said. 

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The concrete firm was working with another company to help clean up the scene, Oliphant said.  

The wooden bridge, near the intersection of Maywood and Sassafras streets, was constructed in 1987, according to a national database of bridges available from the Tallahassee Democrat. The bridge has a 4-ton weight limit which is posted on a sign near the bridge, Oliphant said. 

According to the Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association, a loaded concrete truck weighs around 30 tons.

The Texas Department of Public Safety told ABC13 reporters that the agency would not cite the driver for the incident because the bridge is privately owned. 

Residents in the neighborhood told reporters the bridge could hold two cars, but most drivers cross the bridge one vehicle at a time.