Bridge collapse in Minneapolis

My mom called me earlier tonite when I was at the grocery store to tell me about a bridge collapse in Minneapolis. It was on 35W over the Mississippi River during rush hour. Part of an article from the local newspaper’s website is below.

Freeway bridge collapses into Mississippi River during rush hour in Minneapolis

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

The Interstate 35W bridge, which spans between Minneapolis and St. Paul, was under construction when it broke into several huge sections.

It was not clear how many people were injured. A burning truck and a school bus clung to one slanted slab, while at least eight cars and a truck were submerged in the river.

Read the rest

I’ve been watching the coverage … flipping between the local channels and national new channels. The pictures/video is just amazing (and NOT in a good way). All those cars. I heard a report that there were 50 cars involved or that went in the river, I don’t know for sure. The bridge has 8 lanes and it was during rush hour. The ABSOLUTE WORST time for it to happen.

And I believe some former co-workers of mine are in Minneapolis now. I don’t know for sure, but I think I remember hearing that Mike got a job there. I’ll have to ask Justin tomorrow at work. If they are there, I really hope they are both okay.

I’m also checking out news stories on various websites … CNN, MSNBC. I guess they’re having a press conference at about 8:30pm. I just can’t imagine something like this happening. I’ve been on that bridge before … back when I was little and one of my aunts (and uncle) lived there.

I’m gonna go and watch the coverage. Like I said before … I REALLY hope Mike and Amy are okay if they do live there. And I hope there are very FEW casualties.