Border Wall Section Topples Into Mexico

Officials cite wet concrete, high winds
By Arden Dier,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 30, 2020 6:01 AM CST

A newly installed section of border wall toppled over onto the Mexican side amid high winds Wednesday. Steel barriers had been erected between Mexicali and Calexico, Calif., but a concrete base had not yet cured when the 30-foot-high panels fell onto trees lining a parallel street, reports the Guardian. "Luckily, Mexican authorities responded quickly and were able to divert traffic from the nearby street," Border Patrol agent Carlos Pitones tells the Los Angeles Times. "We are grateful there was no property damage or injuries," he adds, per CNN, which notes wind gusts in the area reached as high as 37mph on Wednesday.

The section of wall, part of an effort to replace 11 miles of existing barrier, has since been re-erected. Customs and Border Protection "will work with the construction contractor to mitigate the impact of high winds as construction continues," Pitones tells the Times. The outlet reports "the barrier is constructed of steel bollards filled with concrete and rebar, then topped with metal plates." (More border wall stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X