Massive fire closes Ohio River bridge near Cincinnati and damages its steel structure

By The Associated Press

Posted Nov 1, 2024 11:02:52 AM.

Last Updated Nov 1, 2024 11:15:54 AM.

CINCINNATI (AP) — A massive fire underneath a bridge spanning the Ohio River closed a heavily traveled route between Cincinnati and northern Kentucky on Friday and damaged part of the steel structure. No injuries were reported.

The fire broke out overnight near a playground in a park under the bridge, shutting down Interstate 471, according to a spokesperson for the Cincinnati Fire Department.

Video showed flames soaring above the bridge near downtown Cincinnati. Chunks of concrete fell from the bridge and the fire warped a few steel beams, fire crews reported.

The fire was under control hours later, but the bridge will remain closed. What caused the fire is under investigation.

The Associated Press