Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

First off, my prayers go out to the survivors of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse, and the families of the victims- those who are trapped, and those who have since passed on from their injuries. May God's grace comfort you all, and the love of the country and the world.

Last night, at around 6:00PM Central time (4:00 here in the Pacific), the bridge that passes over the Mississippi River, on Interstate 35W collapsed. This happened durring rush hour, and dozens of cars fell in. The fatalty toll- initially tallied at seven- is now currently at four, and over five dozen injured. Nearby, the Minnesota Twins played against the Kansas City Royals in the Metrodome. Now, some of you may say that the Twins organization was heartless in their approach. But given the fact that the collapsed bridge was so close to the Dome, that the game had to go on, in part to allow first responders- the police; emergency personnel- to head to the scene ands do their jobs. So I think the right call was made.

Tonight's Twins-Royals game has been postponed, and the four game homestand against the Cleveland Indians are on the bubble.

I have a link from CNN, the view of the I-35W bridge collapsing. Just click on the title.

Here's the Breaking News footage from KSTP Eyewitness News 5 television; KARE 11; KMSP Fox 9; and WCCO CBS 4.


NewsTv/YouTube

I am heartened to know that the sixty young children who were on the school bus as thr bridge collapsed are okay. Some are scratched up, but other than being shaken, those little babies are in the comforting arms of their parents, with said parents clinging a bit tighter to them.

Furthermore, I'm a bit astounded that some cars, and parts of the road, when the bridge collapsed stayed intact. But those are the saaving graces of what is otherwise a tragic event.

The I-35W bridge was 40 years old, and was last inspected in 2005. Repair work was being done to it at the time of the collapse. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, and Congress has appropriated $250 million for the bridge's repair.


Again, my hearts and prayers go out to the survivors and the victims' family.

Copyright 2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.