It's looks like an over-sized truck may be responsible for the collapse of the Skagit River Bridge near Mt. Vernon, Washington.
Authorities have detained a semi and trailer with it's pilot car a short distance from the span. The incident spilled vehicles and their occupants into the cold river water.
At last count, three people have been retrieved by Sherrif's Deputy's. State Troopers say there have been no fatalities.
State Highway 9 is the suggested alternate route. The collapse will raise questions about America's infrastructure, which has been a popular issue with U-S President Barack Obama, who earlier this year warned against ``raggedy'' roads and wants to focus more money on rebuilding to improve the economy.
The truck that hit the bridge was Canadian.
Global BC's John Daly reports it was driven by William Scott from Spruce Grove, Alberta, and he was hauling a very large piece of machinery down to Vancouver, Washington.
Daly tells Philip Till on the CKNW Morning News the trucker apparently was trying to use both southbound lanes when crossing the bridge.
"It makes sense that he was trying to take the middle lane. There's an unconfirmed report that there was another vehicle, either overtaking him, or very close to the side. He was able to get across."
The trucker works for Mullen Trucking south of Calgary.
Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has declared a state of emergency for three counties affected by the bridge collapse.
Inslee says the traffic chaos alone is reason to make the declaration.
State officials are looking for a temporary bridge to use in the short term, but even that could be weeks away leaving a major link between Vancouver and Seattle severed for a while yet.