SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- City officials said it is very lucky no one was harmed when a portion of a railroad bridge collapsed onto a street this afternoon in downtown Syracuse.

The collapse was reported at 1:04 p.m., and emergency responders arrived within minutes, city officials said.

The bridge takes trains across Gifford Street near the intersection with South Clinton Street and West Onondaga Street.

At times there can be a large amount of pedestrian and vehicular traffic under and near the bride and the elevated railroad tracks.

A side wall of the east-facing railroad collapsed onto the street below it. Large amounts of concrete could be seen smashed on the road, and a light pole was toppled by debris. The train tracks appear to be unaffected by the collapse of the wall.

"We're extremely fortunate" that no vehicle or person was harmed, Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler told reporters. "As you can see, the debris was well into the street."

Surveillance video of the collapse viewed by Syracuse.com shows what appear to be three vehicles swerving to avoid the collapse.

Officials do not yet know what caused the collapse. Fowler said there is no evidence at this time that anything struck the bridge structure.

The bridge and the railroad are owned by New York, Susquehanna & Western railroad.

The last train went through 10:30 a.m., a rail company official said.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said he has requested documents that describe the conditions of all the company's bridges in town.

The city otherwise has no jurisdiction over the railroads, the mayor said.

"We want to make sure we see every condition report that's been produced," Walsh said.

An engineer from the railroad is on the way.

The Federal Railroad Administration has an inspector in Syracuse, authorities said.

South Clinton Street between Jefferson Street to West Adams Street will be closed indefinitely, city officials said.

West Onondaga Street is closed from South Salina Street to West Street.

Were you walking or driving in the area at the time of the bridge collapse? Send an email to CityNews@Syracuse.com or call reporter Chris Libonati at (315)470-2161.