Six Dead After Bridge Collapse In Franklin Co.

This incident continues to be under investigation by Indiana Conservation Officers and the Franklin County coroner’s office.

(Franklin Co., Ind.) - Six people were killed after a bridge collapsed in Franklin County over the weekend. 

Around 5:00 AM on Friday, March 20, Franklin County dispatch received a call claiming headlights were seen off of the roadway and calls for help were heard coming from an area near the intersection of Sanes Creek and Tee Hill roads. 

When officers arrived on the scene, it was found that the bridge over Sanes Creek had been partially washed away. 

One vehicle was located during an initial search. The second vehicle was located a short time later. 

Four victims were found early Friday afternoon. Around 3:00 PM, the fifth victim was recovered from Sanes Creek. Around 9:00 AM on Saturday morning, the sixth and final victim was found. 

Victims from the first vehicle were identified as Laurel residents, Shawn Roberts, 47, and Burton Spurlock, 48. 

The victims from the second vehicle were identified as Felina Lewis, 35 of Laurel, and three minors, ages 13, 7, and 4. 

All victims were pronounced by the Franklin County coroner. 

“We are extremely thankful for the overwhelming outpouring of support by all agencies involved, as well as the many community members who assisted in search efforts,” said Franklin County Sheriff Pete Cates.

This incident continues to be under investigation by Indiana Conservation Officers and the Franklin County coroner’s office.