Massive fire closes Ohio River bridge near Cincinnati and damages its steel structure
- A massive fire erupted under a bridge, causing the closure of Interstate 471, a key route between Cincinnati and northern Kentucky.
- The flames ignited from materials around a nearby playground and significantly damaged the bridge's structural steel.
- Repairing the bridge is expected to take weeks, with several beams and a section of the roadway requiring replacement.
On the morning of November 1, 2024, a significant fire broke out beneath a bridge crossing the Ohio River, affecting a crucial transportation route between Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. The fire ignited overnight, fueled by mulch and playground equipment located in a park underneath the bridge. Quick action by local fire crews helped control the flames, which soared over 40 feet, but the damage was considerable, leading to the closure of Interstate 471 in both directions. Witness accounts and video footage captured the intensity of the blaze, showing chunks of concrete falling from the bridge as it warped several of its steel beams. City fire officials confirmed that the southbound lanes leading to Kentucky sustained the heaviest damage and noted that the bridge is renowned for its iconic yellow arches, serving nearly 97,600 vehicles daily. Cincinnati Fire Department reported no injuries occurred in this incident, although the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Fire Chief Frank McKinley indicated the flames spread rapidly to the bridge structure due to the surrounding materials. The response involved over 60 firefighters who worked diligently to control the fire's spread and to mitigate additional damage. Repairs on the bridge are expected to take weeks, with officials planning to replace at least three beams and a section of the roadway before reopening the vital route. The situation reflects the coordinated response efforts by fire crews and transportation authorities in managing unexpected emergencies in urban settings.