Minneapolis Bridge Collapse: forum connections??

[maxandgeorgia]

I am sure that many of you are following the news about the collapse yesterday of the I35W bridge in Minneapolis crossing the Mississippi River. Many people are injured, some have died in the collapse, and many are still missing. Our prayers and most positive thoughts go out for the families of everyone affected by this horrifying accident. I guess I'm particularly struck by this because we have so often traveled I35E through Minneapolis-St. Paul, crossing the Mississippi and often seeing construction work on the bridges on our way to camp up on the North Shore. We have quite a few forum members from this area; let's hold them all in our hearts and minds today, and hope that when we hear from them that they can report news of safety of their families. ~G

[Alumatube]

I can't add anything to your great post except my prayers for all those affected by this tragedy, and for the rescue and medical personnel to stay safe and strong!

Susan

[rebel beck]

Very well put Georgia, I watched the tv all last night and today such a sad thing to happen and my family is praying for all.

[Airhog1]

Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved!
G

[markdoane]

Lots of anxious minutes between the event, and being able to confirm that all the kids and their spouses were safe. I was a few miles south on 35W, just minutes before it happened.

[CanoeStream]

Don (markdoane) & I couldn't count how many times we've been across that bridge. This last weekend I hosted guests from Palo Alto who were at a Mpls. convention last week -- they crossed the bridge several times on sponsored sightseeing trips. Here's the location:


Of course, Google maps wouldn't show the up-to-date satellite view. The cause wasn't likely the deck maintenance -- it was the truss steel. Stay tuned for the NTSB conclusion in about a year. This bridge location has the last lock on the navigable Mississippi River channel. They lowered the water level 2' on the downstream dam today. Other dams in far north MN can be used to lessen flow but that could take a couple days.

Fatalities rest at 4, including the mother of the 2 heartbroken teens shown on national TV tonight. Tonight there are 8 people missing, including the driver of the burning semi truck.

Traffic will survive and use Hwy 280 which was used before I-35 was completed thru northeast Mpls. in the mid '70s.

[moosetags]

Yesterday's bridge collapse in Minneapolis makes us all realize how temporary life is. Let us all take a moment to say a prayer for those who perished and the families and friends who are greiving tonight.

[tin sista]

What a tragedy!