Bridge Collapse In Mpls

[homeschoolmom]

[url="http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_213191448.html"]http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_213191448.html[/url]


(WCCO) Minneapolis The Interstate 35W Mississippi River bridge near University Avenue has collapsed into the river.

Both the northbound and southbound lanes of 35W are lying in the Mississippi River.

There are multiple cars in the river and a couple cars on fire. According to one witness, there was a school bus full of children on the bridge.

Cars are still on the bridge.

Tons of concrete have collapsed and people are injured. Survivors are being carried up the riverbank.

Some people are stranded on parts of the bridge that aren't completely in the water.

A tractor-trailer is on fire at the collapse scene.

Some cars are still precariously perched on the bridge. Sections of the bridge are mangled, some are pointing up in the air and some are in the river.

"It is just horrific," said witness Marilyn Franzen, who saw the bridge collapse. Franzen said she saw a school bus that managed to stop before the going over the edge of the bridge that she said was carrying 20-30 children.

According to witnesses, cars are crushed and mangled under the bridge where it collapsed onto the shore of the river. Street signs also crushed cars.

The road has been under construction since the beginning of the summer.

[MissScripture]

My dad called to tell me to turn the tv on just a few minutes ago...a bridge over the Mississippi just collapsed. [url="http://www.townhall.com/news/us/2007/08/01/cars_fall_in_mississippi_after_collapse"]http://www.townhall.com/news/us/2007/08/01..._after_collapse[/url]
Wow. Prayers for all the people involved!

[isilzha]

I've been watching it on FNC, its just horrific.

[catholicinsd]

Are all my phat phamily ok?

[homeschoolmom]

Oh... it's just horrible....

[homeschoolmom]

They are speculating that it was caused by a combination of heat, construction (there were several contruction vehicles, cement truck etc), and high number of cars (it happened at 6 pm) packed onto the bridge. They do not, at this time, suspect foul play.

(I've heard that all of the children on the school bus were rescued... still have not heard a number of people involved though... it's a mess)

[MissScripture]

I know! They said that Hennepin County Medical Center is sending people to North Memorial Hospital, because there are so many injuries coming in. Prayers for all those workers, tonight!

[homeschoolmom]

btw, HSfam and RussianGirl are accounted for.

[catholicinsd]

OK how about TF?

[traichuoi]

wow...living here for only 5 days now. this is so sad! I've been learning a few of the interstates and 35W is from what I've learned is big!

btw, HSmom, I met with Terra Firma today. She said you'll be at the shindig she's having! Can't wait to meet you. You'll be the fourth phatmasser I've met.

Prayers...

[Roamin Catholic]

many prayers to everyone

[Theologian in Training]

This is not meant to sound funny at all, but I really hope all my clown friends are OK.

[MissScripture]

And now it sounds like a storm is supposed to happen in that area. Lots and lots of prayers!

[Roamin Catholic]

sadness

[catholicinsd]

Have we heard from the other PMers from the Cities?

[T-Bone _]

[Sojourner]

TF, checking in.

I was out swimming in a lake near my house and heard all the rescue vehicles. When we got to shore we learned about the collapse. I'm now watching it on the news. Wowzers.


Now I'm just thinking how much traffic tomorrow is going to smell of elderberries ....


And yes it is going to storm .... I can hear the thunder now.

[catholicinsd]

[quote name='Terra Firma' post='1346469' date='Aug 1 2007, 08:58 PM']Now I'm just thinking how much traffic tomorrow is going to smell of elderberries ....[/quote]

OK, good priorities.

[MissScripture]

[quote name='catholicinsd' post='1346472' date='Aug 1 2007, 09:00 PM']OK, good priorities.[/quote]
Do you know how many people take that bridge?

[catholicinsd]

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1346475' date='Aug 1 2007, 09:02 PM']Do you know how many people take that bridge?[/quote]

Forgive me but do you know how many people might be dead.

I don't have time for this- I gotta try calling my people again.