Railroad bridge burns over Gasconade River

UPDATE 11/15: The Osage County Sheriff’s Department has asked for the assistance of the Missouri State Fire Marshall’s office with the investigation into the fire.

Deputies said that based on the initial investigation, the fire does not seem to be suspicious in nature.

Deputies said crews were working on the bridge yesterday with metal cutting torches but an officials investigation will be conducted to rule out any suspicious activity.

Missouri Central Railroad, an affiliate of Ameren said the bridge was a part of the former Rock Island Rail Line, which has been out of operation for more than 20 years.

ORIGINAL: A bridge continued to burn over the Gasconade River in Osage County Tuesday night.

The Osage County Emergency Management Agency said emergency crews were trying to access the Gasconade River Bridge around 9:42 p.m.

ABC 17 is told railroad ties possibly caught fire on the bridge.

The bridge is located between Freeburg and Belle, about 35 miles southeast of Jefferson City.

According to BridgeHunter.com, the bridge is the longest bridge in Missouri, spanning more the 1,800 feet and is more than 100 feet above the ground.

ABC 17 News has a crew at the scene working to learn more about what caught the bridge on fire and where firefighters stand in putting it out.