Shelby Co., AL (August 27, 2026) – Two people were injured on Tuesday, August 25, after a large piece of construction equipment being transported struck the underside of the County Road 87 bridge over Interstate 65 near Exit 234 in Shelby County.
Authorities said one of the two injured people was in critical condition. About three or four vehicles were also damaged in the incident.
The impact caused significant damage to the overpass and a partial collapse. Interstate 65 southbound and the County Road 87 bridge were both closed while crews removed concrete debris and evaluated the structure. Southbound traffic was diverted at Exit 238 in Alabaster. Investigators continue reviewing the crash.
We hope both injured people receive care and recover fully.
Why Can Overpass Strikes by Oversized Equipment Cause Serious Injuries?
When tall or oversized equipment hits an overpass, the impact can send concrete, metal, or other debris into nearby traffic with little warning.
Drivers beneath or near the bridge may have very little time to react, and falling debris can damage several vehicles at once. Sudden braking and evasive maneuvers can also create additional collision risks.
Equipment height, bridge clearance, travel speed, debris size, and traffic density can all affect injury severity. These incidents can also require lengthy closures because engineers must determine whether the bridge remains structurally safe before traffic can resume.
