The driver of a semi-trailer truck escaped injury when a rural Missouri bridge collapsed as he tried to cross it.

The accident occurred Monday on The Pentecostal Bridge, which crosses the Maries River on a rural road near Westphalia.

Osage County Sheriff Michael Bonham said the bridge had a 5-ton weight limit but the semi tried to cross it anyway, causing the bridge to collapse.

The sheriff says it is unclear why the truck was driving on a gravel road that leads to the small bridge.

An investigation is continuing.

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