A dump truck that was crossing the Imperial Rd. Bridge in Port Bruce when the bridge collapsed, February 23, 2018. Photo courtesy of Elgin OPP.A dump truck that was crossing the Imperial Rd. Bridge in Port Bruce when the bridge collapsed, February 23, 2018. Photo courtesy of Elgin OPP.
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Port Bruce Bridge Collapses

A dump truck driver had to be rescued after the bridge he was driving over collapsed into Catfish Creek in Port Bruce.

Emergency crews rushed to the Imperial Rd. bridge between Dexter Line and Rush Creek Line after the structure gave way Friday afternoon.

A dump truck that was crossing the bridge at the time is now sitting on an angle with its back-end submerged in the water. The driver, a 27-year-old Thorndale man, was temporarily stranded in the cab of the truck but was not injured.

Elgin OPP have shut down Imperial Rd. in that area and Malahide Township officials are asking residents to detour over Dexter Line until further notice.

A cause for the collapse has yet to be determined.

The lakeside community, east of Port Stanley, was hard hit this week by heavy rain and melting snow that led to major flooding. OPP set up a command post in the village Tuesday morning and contemplated evacuating the area as streets and homes became submerged. The contingency plan was not put into action as water began to recede by nightfall.

The Imperial Rd. Bridge collapsed in Port Bruce, February 23, 2018. Photo courtesy of Elgin OPP.The Imperial Rd. Bridge collapsed in Port Bruce, February 23, 2018. Photo courtesy of Elgin OPP.

The Imperial Rd. Bridge collapsed in Port Bruce, February 23, 2018. Photo courtesy of Elgin OPP.The Imperial Rd. Bridge collapsed in Port Bruce, February 23, 2018. Photo courtesy of Elgin OPP.

The Imperial Rd. Bridge collapsed in Port Bruce, February 23, 2018. Photo courtesy of Elgin OPP.The Imperial Rd. Bridge collapsed in Port Bruce, February 23, 2018. Photo courtesy of Elgin OPP.

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