Six Dead Following Bridge Collapse In Franklin County

The incident is still under investigation.

File Photo

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

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

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

During the initial search, detectives found one vehicle. A short time later the second vehicle was found. 

Early Friday afternoon four victims were found, around 3:00 p.m. that day the fifth victim was recovered from Sanes Creek. Around 9:00 a.m. Saturday, the sixth victim was found. 

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

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

"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. 

All victims were pronounced dead by the Franklin County coroner.

This incident is still under investigation by the Indiana Conservation Officers and the Franklin County coroner's office.