Bridge Collapses at Least Six People Dead

Susy Owen

Attorney

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To the shock and dismay of Minnesotans, Interstate 35W bridge, which stretches between Minneapolis and St. Paul, was in the midst of being repaired when it collapsed yesterday during rush hour traffic. According to Mayor R.T. Ryback announcement, four hours after the disaster, there are at least six people known to be dead and another 20 are missing. Given the severity of the collapse and the fact that it was during rush hour, it is surprising that the death toll is not even higher. Rescue workers are desperately searching for those missing.

Although the bridge was in repair - it had been checked in 2005 and 2006- there was nothing noted that would have accounted for this disaster. According to state police, they are at a loss as to what caused such a catastrophe. It has been estimated that 50 vehicles plunged into the water and onto the land below. And at least 8 cars were submerged in the water.

"The arched bridge, which was built in 1967, rises about 64 feet above the river. Workers have been repairing the 40-year-old bridge's surface as part of improvements along that stretch of the interstate, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported on its Web site."

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.