Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

[NameDropper]

Being reported on FoxNews, CNN...
Looks very bad...

[fraga]

DAMN...that's messed up...watching it now...

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

From the Strib:

I-35W bridge collapses

By Matt McKinney, Star Tribune

Last update: August 01, 2007 – 6:45 PM
The span of the Interstate 35W bridge across the Mississippi River collapsed into the river around 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, sending cars into the water, witnesses said.

The collapse left some cars intact on the deck of the bridge, but others tumbled into the river, according to Joe Blade, a resident of the Riverview Tower at 1920 South First St.

“The bridge is collapsed into the river,” said Blade, speaking to a reporter from his apartment in the tower. “There’s black smoke coming out from underneath it at the southern edge of the collapse.”

Another resident of the tower said she heard the bridge collapse.

“First I heard this huge roar,” said Leone Carstens. “I was at my computer. Initially I thought, Wow was that an airplane?”

The scene that greeted her when she looked out her window was “awful,” she said.

The bridge was crowded with rush hour vehicles when it collapsed, she said. Thick black smoke rose up from the bridge as at least one vehicle burned on the cement below, she said. She said she couldn’t make out vehicles in the water, but there was debris.

“It could be people in the water. It may just be stuff sticking up out of the water,” she said. “They don’t seem to be moving.”

[fraga]

Terrorists???

[AmericanWoman]

This is so sad. What a mess.

[01Snake]

I'm up here in MN working and I drove over that bridge at about 3pm today! YIKES!

[ashbeeigh]

Terrorists???

I don't think so. It probably just gave way with a lot of the construction that's been going on up there.

It is sad! It scares me to think that I might move somewhere where I'll have to drive over a river everyday to get to work.

[IceColdBrewski]

Wow. Massive rescue effort going on right now.

I've driven over the Mississippi River several times in Louisiana, and couldn't help thinking what it would be like if the bridge collapsed. Scary stuff.

[SpursWoman]

OMG. :(

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

How tall was this bridge?

[Marklar MM]

the bridge is about 64 feet high at its highest

[Marklar MM]

Estimates have 15-60 cars on the bridge when it collapsed.

[T Park]

Wow.......

64 feet above the water.

Collapsed at the end of rush hour......

[T Park]

Homeland Security says it looks like a construction issue, not terrorists.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

DHS issues statement says no signs of terrorism, points to construction difficulties.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

JB and TPark both watching FOXNews?

That's like matter and anti-matter.

[T Park]

A schoolbus of kids on the bridge reportedly was emptied and all kids are ok.

Amazing stories coming in so far.

[T Park]

JB and TPark both watching FOXNews?

That's like matter and anti-matter.

I just figured your cable company had dropped CNN or MSNBC :)

[T Park]

Reportedly theres a 4th section of the bridge that they are now worried that might collapse...

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

http://media.startribune.com/smedia/2007/08/01/19/501-02bridge080207.embedded.prod_affiliate.2.jpg

Strib.

[NameDropper]

MSNBC reported on DHS statement before.
This is going to get the lawyers mouths watering, sad to say.

[ZStomp]

So many times, especially as a kid, I imagined this.

How does this happen??!????!!!!

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

http://media.startribune.com/smedia/2007/08/01/19/248-03bridge080207.doublewide.prod_affiliate.2.jpg

Minneapolis Star-Tribune (I finally realize "Strib" might not be well known.)

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

http://www.visi.com/~jweeks/bridges/pics/i35wmiss01.jpg

http://www.visi.com/~jweeks/bridges/pages/ms16.html

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Oh, hell...there's a line of storms heading directly for Minneapolis.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/map/interactive/55404?from=36hour_map_large&zoom=7&interactiveMapLayer=radar

[T Park]

The apocolypse perhaps?

[01Snake]

3 dead so far

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

The apocolypse perhaps?

Truthfully, I expected more.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Better view of bridge.

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=rgwvyg76wkcr&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=6176674&encType=1

[theroc5]

I hate how the news is jumping out and saying there is not terrorist linked or involved with this....BS...how the crap is any one gona know that fast. I hope and pray that it isnt related to terrorist and hope for the best for these people but how are they just gona come out and say that.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I hate how the news is jumping out and saying there is not terrorist linked or involved with this....BS...how the crap is any one gona know that fast. I hope and pray that it isnt related to terrorist and hope for the best for these people but how are they just gona come out and say that.

Date: 08/01/2007 09:00 PM

BC-Minnesota Bridge Collapse,4th Ld-Writethru/507
Eds: UPDATES with comment from witness, details on bridge. AP Video.
Bridge collapses into Mississippi River during rush hour in Minneapolis
By PATRICK CONDON
Associated Press Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ The entire span of an interstate bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River during evening rush hour Wednesday, sending vehicles, tons of concrete and twisted metal crashing into the water.

The Interstate 35W bridge, which stretches between Minneapolis and St. Paul, was in the midst of being repaired when it broke into several huge sections.

The Homeland Security Department had received no indications Wednesday night that the collapse was related to an act of terrorism, department spokesman Russ Knocke said in Washington.

"We continue to monitor the situation. At this time, there's no indication of a nexus to terrorism," Knocke said.

It was not clear how many people were injured. WCCO-AM reported that one body was seen being pulled from the area, covered with a blue sheet.

A burning truck and a school bus clung to one slanted slab, while at least eight cars and a truck were submerged in the river.

The bus had just crossed the bridge before it crumpled into pieces, and broadcast reports indicated the children on the bus exited out the back door.

Ramon Houge told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he was on his way home from work on the bridge when heard a rumbling noise, saw the ground collapse and cars go down.

Traffic was bumper to bumper and hundreds of people would have been involved, he said. He said cars backed up as best they could and he parked in a construction zone and was finally able to turn around and drive off the bridge. "It didn't seem like it was real," he said.

Dozens of vehicles were scattered and stacked on top of each other amid the rubble. Some people were stranded on parts of the bridge that aren't completely in the water.

Local television stations captured video of injured people being carried up the riverbank. There was no official word on injuries, but dozens of rescue vehicles were there. Divers were also in the water.

Gregory Wernick Sr., Rockford, Ill., drove over the bridge shortly before the collapse. He stopped to get a drink nearby and heard commotion so he went back.

"I figure I crossed about 10 minutes before it happened," he said. "That's just too close to call."

He was standing about 200 feet away on top of a parking ramp with large group of people.

"I've never seen anything like this," he said.

The Homeland Security Department had received no indications Wednesday night that the collapse was an act of terrorism, department spokesman Russ Knocke said in Washington.

"We continue to monitor the situation. At this time, there's no indication of a nexus to terrorism," Knocke said.

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.

----------------

Damn that media for reporting what the Dept. of Homeland Security is saying. Damn them to heck.

[NorCal510]

I hate how the news is jumping out and saying there is not terrorist linked or involved with this....BS...how the crap is any one gona know that fast. I hope and pray that it isnt related to terrorist and hope for the best for these people but how are they just gona come out and say that.
hey idiot, why would you want it to be terror related?

and the FBI and CIA or whoever is involved, and they are high tech. they could find out what kind of porn you watch... so i'm sure they know what they're talking about.

[Marklar MM]

I hate how the news is jumping out and saying there is not terrorist linked or involved with this....BS...how the crap is any one gona know that fast. I hope and pray that it isnt related to terrorist and hope for the best for these people but how are they just gona come out and say that.

Cuz if they come out and say this is possible terrorism, people are gonna wanna blow shit up.

[boutons_]

I really wonder how this shit can happen. Inspections? Maintenance? Testing? Sensors?

Steel structures have been around for 150 years. It ain't rocket science. And this doesn't look like artsy-farty new high-tech design. Of the two adjacent bridges, it looks like the newer of the two because it's got more lanes.

IH35 is Federal, somebody cut back the budget for iinfrastructure maintenance?

I remember a few years ago some report that 50K brideges in the USA were in need of maintenance, but their was no money for it.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

The media isn't making the determination. They are reporting what is being said. Blame the DHS if you believe it's terrorism.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

AP Photo Slideshow:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/galleries/657.html?SITE=TXSAE&SECTION=US&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[01Snake]

I really wonder how this shit can happen. Inspections? Maintenance? Testing? Sensors?

Steel structures have been around for 150 years. It ain't rocket science. And this doesn't look like artsy-farty new high-tech design. If the two adjacent bridges, it looks like the newer of the two because it's got more lanes.

IH35 is Federal, somebody cut back the budget for iinfrastructure maintenance?

I remember a few years ago some report that 50K brideges in the USA were in need of maintenance, but their was no money for it.

The construction going on here in Minneapolis is insane. From what the locals have told me, they were working on numerous highway interchanges and widening roads (think San Antonio right now). The city then landed the National Republican Convention next year and were advised that ALL construction had to be completed 6 months prior to the convention. Due to this, the construction has been ongoing 24/7 for months now.

[ashbeeigh]

Some construction guy on Fox is saying that the highways were just inspected and found numerous "stress fractures." He hasn't read the reports to know whether they were detrimental to the structure of the bridge or not because he hasn't seen the report, though.

[missmyzte]

My corporate campus is in Minneapolis, the good news is so far I haven't heard of anyone from work that is involved and/or injured. That is incredible scary.

[inconvertible]

Oh, hell...there's a line of storms heading directly for Minneapolis.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/map/interactive/55404?from=36hour_map_large&zoom=7&interactiveMapLayer=radar


armaggedonpolis

[inconvertible]

meanwhile in hawaii.....................http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqHBIs5Jz38

[FromWayDowntown]

meanwhile in hawaii.....................http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqHBIs5Jz38

:wtf

You have to be kidding me. Why in this thread?

[Das Texan]

i love how we fucking blame everything on terrorism these days before anything else.


gotta love the culture of fear we fucking live in.

[SRJ]

i love how we fucking blame everything on terrorism these days before anything else.


gotta love the culture of fear we fucking live in.

Where is this blame you speak of? It's like one guy raising the question.

But I'm sure you're right. Terrorism could never happen here. :rolleyes

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

The Twins-Royals game tomorrow night has been postponed.


MINNEAPOLIS -- Thursday's Twins-Royals afternoon game has been postponed in light of the tragic I-35W bridge collapse that took place in Minneapolis on Wednesday night.

The team has also postponed Thursday evening's groundbreaking ceremony for the new ballpark.

At about 6:05 p.m. CT on Wednesday, the four-lane 35W bridge near the Metrodome collapsed into the Mississippi River.

Twins officials contemplated canceling the game, but were concerned that an influx of traffic into the area could impede rescue vehicles. There was a moment of prayer before the game and fans were encouraged to stay off their cell phones and exit calmly if they were going to leave.

More information concerning the rescheduled game and the groundbreaking ceremony will be posted as soon as it's available.

[inconvertible]

:wtf

You have to be kidding me. Why in this thread? :dramaquee :dramaquee :dramaquee :dramaquee :dramaquee :dramaquee :dramaquee :dramaquee :dramaquee :dramaquee :dramaquee


lighten the mood :rolleyes

[Das Texan]

Where is this blame you speak of? It's like one guy raising the question.

But I'm sure you're right. Terrorism could never happen here. :rolleyes



*yawn*


news reports are quick to always bring up terrorism first before anything else is remotely considered.


culture of fear.


gotta love it!

[Sonia_TX]

6 dead... :(

[T Park]

news reports are quick to always bring up terrorism first before anything else is remotely considered.


culture of fear.


gotta love it!


no, its called reality.

The quicker you understand thats how the new world is, the better.

[T Park]

It wouldn't shock me at all if this might be terroristic, but not revealed till later.

Ya never know.

[theroc5]

hey idiot, why would you want it to be terror related?

and the FBI and CIA or whoever is involved, and they are high tech. they could find out what kind of porn you watch... so i'm sure they know what they're talking about.
why dont you read what I said before you go on any longer...humm i said i hope and pray its not terror related but I dont like the fact that when anything happens the first thing the media says is that its not terror related when the event just happens.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

why dont you read what I said before you go on any longer...humm i said i hope and pray its not terror related but I dont like the fact that when anything happens the first thing the media says is that its not terror related when the event just happens.

Why don't you read what I read?

Imagine you're a reporter or news director for a minute. The Dept. of Homeland Security or multiple Minnesota law enforcement agencies release a statement or there's a sound byte where they say, "We don't have any reason to believe this is terror-related."

You're going to withhold that information?

[jayfmyers]

Who knew Kevin Garnett's departure would have THAT big of an impact?!

[ploto]

Please don't tell me this- I am going over the bridge to South Padre in a few days and it collapsed that one time right after I had been there.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

What a horrible event, a nightmare scenario. However, with all of the amazing technology that surrounds us all the time combined with human fallability, I'm surprised that things like this don't happen more often. That is a credit to the systems engineers who build multiple redundancies into everything we do.

We'll know exactly how this system failed, just give the forensic engineers a few months to work it out.

Thank freak it wasn't WINTER!


i love how we fucking blame everything on terrorism these days before anything else.

gotta love the culture of fear we fucking live in.

Yup, the culture has inverted. It used to be that terrorism was one of the last things we'd think of in a disaster, now it is the first. Very sad.

As for disasters in general, these days you pretty much know straight away if they are terrorist-related because the jihadists claim responsibility to rally more to the cause. :depressed

Just watch, responsibility for the next major terrorist attack (a sad and scary inevitability) will be claimed by the group responsible on youtube within minutes of its execution. :pctoss

[Holt's Cat]

Star-Tribune: 7 dead, 20 missing (http://www.startribune.com/)


According to the State Patrol, 30 to 35 people were injured and 20 people were missing. Between 50 and 60 vehicles were on the bridge when it went down, the Patrol said. Authorities said Wednesday night the cause of the collapse was unknown.

[MannyIsGod]

no, its called reality.

The quicker you understand thats how the new world is, the better.Fuck me. I had the same first thought as Tpark

"Its reality"

[AlamoSpursFan]

I have a cousin who lives in Minneapolis. She says they have 2 seasons: winter and construction. Tried calling her a few times but only got busy signals. I wonder why...

[01Snake]

I have a cousin who lives in Minneapolis. She says they have 2 seasons: winter and construction. Tried calling her a few times but only got busy signals. I wonder why...


The cell phone lines are being overworked up here. They were telling people to stay off cell phones via the TV/radio after the collapse happened.

[AlamoSpursFan]

I knew that...the "I wonder why" was rhetorical.

[IceColdBrewski]

So what's the over/under on how long it takes the conspiracy theorists (boutons, mouse, nbadan, etc) to start a thread implying that it was a controlled demolition set up by the government?

2 weeks?

[BacktoBasics]

So what's the over/under on how long it takes the conspiracy theorists (boutons, mouse, nbadan, etc) to start a thread implying that it was a controlled demolition set up by the government?

2 weeks?If you look closely at the video you can see the charges going off and bridge imploding. No way stress fractures caused that big rig to melt like it did.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

http://themoderatilist.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/artist_fergie.jpg


How come every time you come around, my Minneapolis-Minneapolis bridge comes falling down?

[ShoogarBear]

That face could bring a bridge down.

[Bigzax]

That face could bring a bridge down.


but those tits could raise a few.

[SpursFanFirst]

Almost 24 hours have gone by, and I can't stop watching the coverage. Anyone else still glued to the news?

[T Park]

Sorry that Im posting this, not looking for attention, but say a small prayer, my cousin lives and works in the area and we still haven't heard from him or his family, and so were kinda considering him missing.

All I know is, he drives on that bridge to and from work every day.

:(

[jaespur21]

from what i heard on the radio and what im watchin now \. its nothing i imagined. the school bus was so close to falling off.

[SRJ]

Almost 24 hours have gone by, and I can't stop watching the coverage. Anyone else still glued to the news?

The last...only...time I did that was 9/11. It gets old seeing a bunch of nimrods in suits blathering with the same experts over and over again.

[SpursFanFirst]

The last...only...time I did that was 9/11. It gets old seeing a bunch of nimrods in suits blathering with the same experts over and over again.

I agree, but know the info is starting to trickle in little by little...like Flip Saunders narrowing missing being on that bridge because of a detour...
Scary stuff!

[marini martini]

Sorry that Im posting this, not looking for attention, but say a small prayer, my cousin lives and works in the area and we still haven't heard from him or his family, and so were kinda considering him missing.

All I know is, he drives on that bridge to and from work every day.

:(

Will do, and for all of those that have been affected by this tragedy :depressed

[FromWayDowntown]

Hope it all turns out well for your family, TPark. That's scary stuff.

[missnovel]

I was at the bridge today where it's a bit surreal to witness the tragic aftermath. I saw one Homeland Security guy who didn't look too smart--maybe the same guy that is quoted as "no indication of terrorists". The answers lie in the water and under the bridge--perhaps through assistance of video yet to come forward to come out and the talking to eyewitnesses (who have said they heard an explosion, then the rumbling). But it seems that the spin and media are already out to fault the bridge. If you aren't from Minneapolis then you may not know our work ethic here. People do their jobs and do them well. We have educated and talented engineers and builders and a very experienced guy with a crew of 18 that wouldn't be there if it was dangerous. They were repairing potholes. Let's hope the real reason for the collapse is discovered--without the news spin. Dribble, dribble..out. :downspin: http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=1888219#

[SpursFanFirst]

TPark, any word on your cousin?

[marini martini]

I'm awaiting your answer also TPark!