A loud crack, a damaged historic bridge, and a mystery to solve! One local’s quick thinking with a smartphone camera helped police piece together what happened at the Henry Bridge. You won’t believe what was still on the truck as it drove away. What would you do if you witnessed a hit-and-run on a beloved landmark?
A recent incident involving the historic Henry Bridge in North Bennington, Vermont, saw a community member’s quick thinking prove pivotal in a police investigation, leading to a swift resolution concerning significant damage. This “Good Samaritan” act highlighted the importance of civic engagement and local vigilance in preserving cherished landmarks.
The tranquility of July 28 was shattered for the staff of the Henry House when a loud crack echoed through the air, signaling an unfortunate collision at the nearby Henry Bridge. A large white box truck was observed striking the covered bridge, causing considerable damage to its upper tie rod, upper lateral brace, sidewall, and siding on the Murphy Road side.
Immediate aftermath of the collision saw broken pieces of the Henry Bridge moved from the roadway and piled along the riverbank, with local authorities quickly conducting a preliminary safety inspection. Despite the visible external damage, initial assessments determined there was no structural compromise to the bridge’s foundation or lower elements, allowing it to remain safe for motorists under its current weight limits.
Local resident Tom Sklepowicz, whose daughter owns the event center adjacent to the Henry Bridge, recounted hearing reports of the incident. Though he didn’t witness the impact directly, one of his workers heard the tell-tale bang, and by the time they reached the scene, the offending truck had already departed, leaving behind a trail of debris and questions.
Crucially, Luke Youngman, working on a nearby rooftop on the Murphy Road side, heard the distinct crash and, recognizing the gravity of the situation, began recording with his phone. His video captured a white box truck, marked “AMJ Home Delivery,” driving away from the Henry Bridge, notably with brownish-red boards — debris from the covered bridge damage — still visible on its roof. This extraordinary foresight proved to be a game-changer.
Youngman’s very short but incredibly impactful video became the cornerstone of the Bennington Police Department’s subsequent investigation. On August 5, the department leveraged social media, posting still frames from Youngman’s footage on Facebook to solicit public assistance in identifying the truck operator. This “Good Samaritan’s” evidence enabled authorities to quickly pinpoint the likely culprit, accelerating the police investigation.
Lieutenant Camillo “Cam” Grande of the Bennington Police Department confirmed that the repair bill, estimated at $22,000, will be covered by the company’s insurance, sparing taxpayers the cost. Efforts are now underway to identify a specialized company experienced in restoring such unique historic structures, ensuring the Henry Bridge will be fully restored to its former glory.
The Henry Bridge holds immense historical significance and serves as a vital attraction for the community and tourists, particularly during the fall foliage season, making its timely repair paramount. Local businesses, like the Henry House, depend on its iconic presence, underscoring why its preservation is not just about structure, but about the very essence of Bennington’s charm and Vermont history.
