A Tulsa motorist was killed Thursday morning after driving around barricades in an active construction zone and falling through a section of torn-out bridge on Highway 75, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Officials identified the driver as 33-year-old Jayme Platt of Tulsa, who had been traveling northbound on Highway 75 near 56th Street North at around 7:14 a.m. The area was part of an ongoing construction project that included marked lane closures and barriers to restrict access.
Troopers say Platt went around the barricades and into the restricted work zone, where the vehicle struck a piece of construction equipment. The impact caused significant damage to the top of the vehicle and seriously injured Platt. OHP reports the vehicle then continued forward for about 170 feet before dropping through an open span of bridge that had been removed as part of the construction work. The vehicle plunged approximately 20 feet to the ground below.
Platt did not survive the fall.
The incident underscores ongoing safety risks around roadway construction areas, which continue to be hotspots for both worker and driver injuries across Oklahoma. Authorities often remind drivers that barricades, even when they appear inconvenient or unnecessary, are placed to prevent access to conditions that can quickly become deadly. OHP emphasized that construction zones often involve adjusted traffic patterns, removed pavement, unprotected drops, and equipment movement that may not be immediately visible to approaching drivers.
This stretch of Highway 75 has seen extensive construction activity aimed at bridge replacement and infrastructure upgrades. The ongoing project includes full bridge removal, additional lane closures, and intermittent detours — all of which require drivers to follow signage closely.
Traffic in the area was temporarily redirected Thursday morning as crews and investigators worked at the scene. OHP has not indicated whether additional safety measures will be added to the work zone following the fatal collision.
Platt’s death marks another reminder of the hazards faced in active construction corridors and the critical importance of obeying closures and posted warnings.
Originally reported by Alexandra Sharfman in KTUL.
