Tragedy at Rush Hour: 7 Dead in Minn. Bridge Collapse
A bridge collapse in Minnesota at peak rush hour Wednesday sent vehicles and debris tumbling into the Mississippi River, killing at least seven people, injuring more than 60 and leaving a dramatic pile of rubble linking the Twin Cities.
The Department of Homeland Security quickly announced that there was no “terrorism nexus,” and that the eight-lane Interstate 35-West bridge, built in 1967 and currently undergoing construction, may have suffered some type of engineering failure.
At least seven people were killed when the estimated 500-foot span collapsed shortly after 7 p.m. EDT, Minnesota officials announced Wednesday night. One construction worker remained missing.
“It will be a very tragic night when it is over,” Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak told a news conference. “Obviously, this is a catastrophe of historic proportions for Minnesota,” said Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Up to 50 vehicles stuck in near bumper-to-bumper traffic plunged into the water below, according to the Coast Guard, which dispatched boats and a helicopter to the scene. Other vehicles ended up in awkward positions, battered by concrete and tangled in steel that exploded in all directions when the span gave way. A freight train rolling beneath the bridge was crushed.
Full story: ABC.
Source: ABCNEWS
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