Indiana Bridge Collapses as Flooding Breaks 1913 Record

A bridge in Carmel, Ind., collapsed overnight Aug. 16 after a week of storms that brought straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding across the state. President Donald Trump approved a state of emergency declaration for Indiana, authorizing FEMA to provide direct federal assistance in 50 counties.

The Hazel Dell Parkway bridge over Cool Creek failed as the White River crested at 24.6 feet, surpassing the 23.8-foot record set in the Great Flood of 1913. Backflow from the river contributed to the failure, Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman said at an Aug. 17 press conference. Engineers are assessing whether the bridge can be repaired or needs a full replacement. The repair cost is estimated at about $10 million, according to the IndyStar.

Anderson Mayor Thomas J. Broderick told residents in a letter that the Park Place levee held, but many families were displaced and homes and businesses suffered significant damage. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security confirmed a derecho on Aug. 11 brought widespread damaging winds, at least two tornadoes, large hail and flash flooding. Persistent rainfall stayed in the area because of high moisture and extreme instability, the agency said.