Brooklyn Bridge: 5 People Injured After Underpass Facade Collapses

A portion of the facade under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York collapsed Wednesday night after heavy rains caused flooding in parts of the borough of Brooklyn, media reports said, citing authorities.

The incident, which reportedly injured 5 people who were returning from a walk, also reportedly led to the collapse of a ramp leading up to the bridge. The Daily Mail reported, citing a fire department spokesman, that the fallen facade was 25 feet wide. Authorities reported the injuries were minor.

Jerome Dilligard, a 52-year-old correction officer told the New York Daily News that the wall collapsed on his family when he had just stepped away to get his car.

“They were right under the wall when it came down," he reportedly said, adding: “My wife had to dig them all out. It’s a miracle they got out with their lives.”

Although reports said that heavy showers may have led to the collapse, inspectors from the Department of Buildings reportedly investigating the collapse said the bridge wall did not show structural damage, the Daily News reported.

“We will immediately conduct a full inspection of all the facades, and will continue to thoroughly inspect our entire bridge inventory,” the spokesman reportedly said.