Hundreds of residents leave as RI bridge threatens to collapse into swollen river

RI bridge threatens to collapse; hundreds leave

COVENTRY, R.I. — Authorities in Rhode Island are concerned a bridge in danger of collapsing could fall into the Pawtuxet (paw-TUKS’-it) River and damage several dams downstream, sending a torrent of water into the already swollen river.

A neighborhood below the bridge in Coventry was evacuated Wednesday afternoon, bringing the number of people evacuated in the town into the hundreds.

The bridge is about 200 feet long and two lanes wide. Its abutments have washed away.

Police Sgt. John Shields says officials are concerned about an area about 3.5 square miles just below a dam under the bridge.

Shields says an entire four-story corner of a nearby riverside mill has collapsed because the river washed away its foundation.