Dramatic images show massive fire that led to Atlanta bridge collapse
No injuries were reported during the incident, which occurred during rush-hour. The fire started around 6 p.m. local time, and the bridge collapsed at 7 p.m., according to the Atlanta Fire Department.
No official cause for the fire has been made public, although fire officials believe it was fueled by spools of PVC pipes being stored under the overpass, according to a local FOX affiliate. The massive flames may have fatigued the cement overpass, one official said, and structural engineers said the fire could have melted metal under the bridge.
A thick plume of black smoke stretched for miles around the fire, slowing traffic to a halt.
By late Thursday, the fire had been contained, although emergency responders and police were still at the scene.
In statements, both Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Fulton County chairman John Eaves urged commuters to avoid the area.