Pedestrian bridge in Atlanta collapses during construction

Steve Lombardi

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The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Piedmont Park is constructing a pedestrian bridge that reaches four stories in height off of the ground. It’s supposed to give people the feeling of what it’s like to walk along the tree tops. As workers were taking a break under the canopy walk it suddenly collapsed killing one and severely injuring 18 other construction workers. Many were serious injuries that will result in permanent injuries.

“Two of 16 patients taken to Grady Memorial Hospital had brain injuries and others came in with hurt spines, backs and arms, said trauma surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Salomone. Four would be in intensive care, he said.

"The orthopedic injuries are potentially debilitating," he said.”

Construction requires a 600-long foot cable that holds a 12 foot wide pedestrian walkway. The construction is being performed by Hardin Construction Company of Atlanta.

The New York Times reported: “An official of Atlanta Fire Rescue said the workers had begun pouring concrete into the steel framework of the 600-foot-long Canopy Walk, a new attraction at the garden that was scheduled to open next spring. The walk, which rises to a height of as much as 45 feet, was to allow visitors a view of the treetops and the Atlanta skyline.”

A video of Hardin Construction Company

for Habitat for Humanity is posted on YouTube.

At this point there are very limited reports of what caused the collapse.