PDA

View Full Version : Large bridge disaster/collapse in Minneapolis


HealthyinMN
08-01-2007, 05:49 PM
We're watching the reporting on CNN right now, but they have not said where exactly this bridge is or what caused it. Has anyone seen/heard about where it might be? It looks like it is the bridge that goes toward to the U of M from downtown, but I can't be sure.

Those are some scary pictures they are showing!
cumulus
08-01-2007, 06:01 PM
It's I-35 Westbound near where the Interstate crosses with University Avenue...haven't heard anything else yet!
tea4one
08-01-2007, 06:35 PM
The pictures I've seen look pretty scary. I hate bridges and when something like this happens it doesn't help that fear any.
Silvery Moon
08-01-2007, 06:44 PM
My daughter, who lives near there called to let me know they were okay.

They usually take that route, but because of the construction they have been going another way.
HealthyinMN
08-01-2007, 06:47 PM
It's I-35 Westbound near where the Interstate crosses with University Avenue...haven't heard anything else yet!

Yes, that is where we thought it was! They just had that bridge shut down a couple weekends ago while we were out in Minneapolis as it was under construction! I used to travel that way all the time while I lived there.

So far they have said there are 7 (but I think that number is still unconfirmed) deaths :( They keep zooming in on a school bus too... I think there were some injuries, but it sounds as if most of the kids are shaken up, but not hurt. There are apparently thunderstorms now incoming which will only make matters worse!
cumulus
08-01-2007, 06:53 PM
Yes, that is where we thought it was! They just had that bridge shut down a couple weekends ago while we were out in Minneapolis as it was under construction! I used to travel that way all the time while I lived there.

So far they have said there are 7 (but I think that number is still unconfirmed) deaths :( They keep zooming in on a school bus too... I think there were some injuries, but it sounds as if most of the kids are shaken up, but not hurt. There are apparently thunderstorms now incoming which will only make matters worse!

Wow- I hadn't heard about the deaths...

Looks like there is a t-storm just north of there along a cold front...hopefully they won't get hit!
Jessica
08-01-2007, 07:16 PM
We are OK but shaken and I haven't heard from all my friends yet. Very scary news.
manetta
08-01-2007, 07:34 PM
We are OK but shaken and I haven't heard from all my friends yet. Very scary news.


So glad you are OK, Jessica.
mrswaz
08-01-2007, 08:11 PM
My DSIL crosses that bridge every day to and from work. Thank goodness she was already home when it collapsed, but the whole area is kind of shaken up right now. They say the worst part right now is not knowing the cause.
zackaboo
08-01-2007, 09:09 PM
What a tragedy... My heart goes out to those who are still concerned for love ones who might have been on the bridge at the time of the collapse. Jessica, I hope that all of your friends are okay.
ErinM
08-01-2007, 10:21 PM
I used to live pretty close to there! I hope all of our BB members and their families are safe. My mom's just glad I don't live there anymore!
MinEaston
08-02-2007, 06:51 AM
Jessica, I'm glad you are OK. Prayers to everyone! My SIL and her family called last night to say they were OK.

I have colleagues who flew out there yesterday for a meeting. They arrived at their hotel, very close to the bridge, about an hour before the collapse. They spent the evening watching everything from their rooms, indicating that it was surreal and scary.
avariell
08-02-2007, 07:23 AM
it is so creepy... i used to drive on that bridge! i immediately called my friends when i found out (my best friend in MN works for the county, she is dreading going to work right now). thankfully everyone i know up there is okay. it is just awful :(
i heard on a report this morning (but couldn't listen to the whole thing) that there was a federal report in 2005 saying the bridge was not structurally sound - can you imagine how much flack the local govt is going to take over this?
PurplePotato
08-02-2007, 07:34 AM
They are now saying inspections in 2005 and 2006 found it fine with only small repairs suggested. :confused:

I also used to live very close and am keeping those affected in my thoughts and prayers.
mbrogier
08-02-2007, 09:23 AM
I hope all our Minnesota CL friends and family are ok.

Evidently there was a report in 2001 as well that said that the bridge could collapse if a support cracked. The report concluded by saying they thought they could defer fixing the bridge and that the collapse was unlikely. http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/08/02/bridge.collapse/index.html

It's sad that it takes a collapse like this to get the DOT to actually make minor repairs a priority. This could have been avoided.
ErinM
08-02-2007, 10:41 AM
Having lived in the Twin Cities before, I do know lots of people who live/d there.

However, it's been 5 years since I last lived there. I don't even know who I know that lives there anymore.

So, I'm looking for lists Any idea of where I can find lists of injured, missing, dead, just so I can check?
Jessica
08-02-2007, 10:43 AM
No lists have been published yet, to my knowledge. Most of the dead have not yet been recovered due to conditions in the water. Four are confirmed dead at hospitals but no names are released as far as I can find.
Elisabeth13
08-02-2007, 10:47 AM
Having lived in the Twin Cities before, I do know lots of people who live/d there.

However, it's been 5 years since I last lived there. I don't even know who I know that lives there anymore.

So, I'm looking for lists Any idea of where I can find lists of injured, missing, dead, just so I can check?

The Twin Cities chapter of the Red Cross has a "safe and well" list that you can check if you know someone's last name and current phone number or address:

https://disastersafe.redcross.org/

Other than that, I don't believe they are releasing any names yet.
ErinM
08-02-2007, 11:03 AM
The Twin Cities chapter of the Red Cross has a "safe and well" list that you can check if you know someone's last name and current phone number or address:

https://disastersafe.redcross.org/

Other than that, I don't believe they are releasing any names yet.

Thanks, Elizabeth!

Unfortunately, the addresses/phone numbers are the things I don't know. I'll just have to keep hoping I don't come across anyone I know in news reports, as they are released.
Jessica
08-02-2007, 04:41 PM
You can find a partial list of victims at www.startribune.com.
DmOrtega
08-02-2007, 05:18 PM
How very tragic and sad. I am sending prayers for those that lost their lives so suddenly, their families and freinds, and to those working around the clock to aid everyone they can. There will be very difficult months and maybe years ahead of them in dealing with the aftermath.
nanco
08-02-2007, 06:41 PM
I live in the western suburbs. I had family call in the middle of the night to make sure we were okay. I had several emails from family members checking up on us. I have a friend who's cousin was on the bridege. She is fighting for her life and not expected to make it. She is 45 years old.

My heart goes out everyone in this city. We are relly practicing our "Minnesota Nice" and showing some great courge and leadership.