Pittsburgh bridge collapses hours ahead of Joe Biden visit to discuss infrastructure plans | US News

A bridge has collapsed in Pittsburgh just hours ahead of a planned visit by US President Joe Biden to discuss his infrastructure bill.

A bridge has collapsed in Pittsburgh with rescuers rappelling 150ft and forming human chains to help bring people out of a ravine.

The incident happened just hours ahead of a visit by Joe Biden to discuss his trillion-dollar infrastructure bill.

There have been reports of minor injuries but no fatalities.

Authorities are using drones to check if anyone is trapped under any of the collapsed sections.

Police have said the bridge – on Forbes Avenue over Fern Hollow Creek in Frick Park – came down just before 7am local time on Friday.

A photo from the scene showed a commuter bus upright on a section of the structure.

City officials said the collapse caused a gas leak but the supply has now been shut off.

Pittsburgh fire chief Darryl Jones said three or four vehicles were involved in the collapse and there were 10 minor injuries with three people taken to hospital.

None of the injuries are life-threatening, he added.

The White House said the US President will still visit the city.

“Our team is in touch with state and local officials on the ground as they continue to gather information about the cause of the collapse,” the statement said.

“The president is grateful to the first responders who rushed to assist the drivers who were on the bridge at the time.”