This Memorial Day Remember the Victims of the I-40 Bridge Tragedy at Webbers Falls, Oklahoma

Early on the morning of Memorial Day, May 27, 2002, 14 people lost their lives in a tragic bridge accident over the Arkansas River. The I-40 Bridge was hit by an empty barge and 600 foot section of the bridge collapsed into the river below. Because the bridge was built with a slight arch, unsuspecting motorists could not see that part of the bridge had collapsed and literally drove off the end, plunging to their deaths 60 feet below.

Fishermen participating in a bass tournament on the river were the first to arrive at the tragic event. They watched in horror and utter helplessness for approximately 20 minutes as one vehicle after another (cars, trucks, a horse trailer, semis), plunged over the side into the water below. One fisherman used his cell phone to call for emergency help, while another one, remembering he had a flare gun, launched a flare into the air, striking the windshield of a semi truck. The semi truck came to a stop seconds before it would have plunged off the precipice of the bridge. The truck driver, who name has never been known, also prevented other vehicles following behind him from going over the side. The fishermen were able to rescue three people who were clutching debris in the river and trying not be swept away by the strong current.

Rescue teams arrived, but were halted at 9:10 a.m. until a severe-looking storm had passed through the area. Ten vehicles went over the side that fateful morning. Dead were:

Andrew Clements, 35 of California

Jeanine Cawley, 48, of Lebanon, Ore.

Margaret Green, 45, of Stockdale, Texas

Gail Shanahan, 49, of Corpus Christi, Texas

James Johnson, 30, of Lavaca, Ark.

Misty Johnson, 28, of Lavaca, Ark.

Shea Johnson, 3, of Lavaca, Ark. (the youngest victim, who was on her way to the zoo)

Paul Tailele Jr., 39, of Magna, Utah

Wayne Martin, 49, of Norman, Okla.

Susan Martin, 49, of Norman, Okla.

Jerry Gillion, 58, of Spiro, Okla.

Patricia Gillion, 57, of Spiro, Okla.

David Mueggenborg, 52, of Okarche, Okla.

Jean Mueggenborg, 51, also of Okarche