PARADISE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Michigan truck driver is facing charges after his tractor-trailer caused significant damage to a historic covered bridge in Lancaster County last week.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, 53-year-old Dragan Markov of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was driving a Volvo semi-truck that exceeded the bridge’s posted clearance of 10½ feet when he struck the Leaman Place Covered Bridge on North Belmont Road, which spans Pequea Creek on the border of Leacock and Paradise townships.

Investigators say the truck ignored multiple warning signs before entering the one-lane bridge, resulting in major structural damage. Wooden support beams inside the bridge were splintered, and the posted clearance signs were torn down during the collision.

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Markov has been charged with a summary traffic violation for disregarding posted height restrictions.

Built in 1893 by Civil War veteran Captain Elias McMellen, the Leaman Place Covered Bridge—also known as the Eshelman’s Mill Covered Bridge—is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge replaced an earlier structure built in 1845 and is one of Lancaster County’s oldest surviving covered bridges.

Lancaster County officials confirmed that contractors will inspect the damage and determine the extent of needed repairs later this week.

“This bridge is an important piece of our local history,” said Michael Fitzpatrick, spokesperson for the Lancaster County Commissioners Office. “We’re thankful no one was injured, but the damage will take time and resources to repair.”

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