I'll be honest -- this sort of massive failure of a major bridge on an interstate highway left me assuming that we had seen a successful terrorist attack. However, the collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis appears to be something else -- though exactly what is still not clear, even as the casualty report stands at 9 dead, 60 injured, and 20 missing.

The entire span of an interstate bridge broke into sections and collapsed into the Mississippi River during evening bumper-to-bumper traffic Wednesday, sending vehicles, concrete and twisted metal crashing into the water.

Hometown newspaper The Star-Tribune reported that nine people had been confirmed dead, 60 had been taken to hospitals and at least 20 remained missing early Thursday. The Associated Press put the number dead at seven so far.

Authorities said the death toll was expected to climb.

Asked about the possibility of finding more survivors, Fire Chief Jim Clack said, “The likelihood is fairly slim.”

"This will be a very tragic night when this is over," Mayor R.T. Rybak said.

Perhaps the most chilling part of the report for me is the statement that, after searching 50 cars, authorities assume that there are still more under water. I am quite thankful that the school bus that was on the bridge made it across in relative safety.

As one who used to regularly cross the Mississippi at St. Louis and who daily crosses the Houston Ship Channel, such a situation is among my worst nightmares.

To the people of the Minneapolis area, I send my prayers and best wishes. And to Stewart, Eric, and Michelle, old friends from grad school, I send my hopes that you and those you love are all right.

UPDATE: The death toll has been revised down to 4.

Posted by: Greg at 12:51 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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