Minnesota bridge collapse

MINNEAPOLIS (Aug. 2) - An interstate bridge jammed with rush-hour traffic suddenly broke into huge sections and collapsed into the Mississippi River Wednesday, pitching dozens of cars 60 feet into the water and killing at least four people.
The eight-lane Interstate 35W bridge, a major Minneapolis artery, was in the midst of being repaired and two lanes in each direction were closed when the bridge buckled. About 20 families gathered at an information center, looking for information on loved ones they couldn't locate.

"There were two lanes of traffic, bumper to bumper, at the point of the collapse. Those cars did go into the river," said Minneapolis Police Lt. Amelia Huffman. "At this point there is nothing to suggest that this was anything other than a structural collapse."

Authorities had put the death toll at seven, but lowered it to four -- and warned the final number could change as divers search the Mississippi River.





To the families who have been devastated by this tragedy, my heart goes out to you.

To my friends living in the Twin Cities, I hope you are safe.