Tragic Bridge Collapse in Minneapolis

Update: There are 7 confirmed dead but more are expected. River operations have been called off for the evening. Emergency response is reported to have been very good.

I’m waiting on the DOT news conference. Eyewitness reports are indicating that the bridge went down slowly after a brief shaking. At the time of the collapse 50 cars were estimated to have been on the bridge. So far there are 6 fatalities.

The bridge is a concrete section span, approximately 40 years old. Early reports indicated that the bridge was under construction but later reports confirmed that none of that was related to structural work. It was mainly a resurfacing crew.

Unfortunately it looks like severe weather is heading toward the area and helicopters have been ordered away as a result.

Twin Cities Red Cross is right across from the bridge. They have put out a number for both cash and blood donations, 612-460-3700. You can also contact the Red Cross at http://www.redcrosstc.org/.

MINNEAPOLIS - The entire span of an interstate bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River during evening rush hour Wednesday, sending vehicles, tons of concrete and twisted metal crashing into the water.

The Interstate 35W bridge, which stretches between Minneapolis and St. Paul, was in the midst of being repaired when it broke into several huge sections.

The Homeland Security Department had received no indications Wednesday night that the collapse was related to an act of terrorism, department spokesman Russ Knocke said in Washington.

“We continue to monitor the situation. At this time, there’s no indication of a nexus to terrorism,” Knocke said.

[snip]

The Homeland Security Department had received no indications Wednesday night that the collapse was an act of terrorism, department spokesman Russ Knocke said in Washington.

“We continue to monitor the situation. At this time, there’s no indication of a nexus to terrorism,” Knocke said.

The arched bridge, which was built in 1967, rises about 64 feet above the river. Workers have been repairing the 40-year-old bridge’s surface as part of improvements along that stretch of the interstate, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported on its Web site. (src. AP News)

See Also: Captains Quarters, Michelle Malkin