Yesterday night in downtown Minneapolis an Interstate highway bridge collapsed 60 feet into the Mississippi River sending at least 50 vehicles into the river. Chief Jim Clack from the Minneapolis Fire Department said at least 7 people were killed and more than 60 have been injured; the State Patrol has reported more than 20 people missing.

“This is a catastrophe of historic proportions for Minnesota,” Governor Tim Pawlenty said.

On Interstate 35 W which is the main north south route through Minneapolis was being repaired, and witnesses said they heard a jackhammer being used right before the bridge collapsed. The bridge collapsed in 3 sections and was built in 1967. One of the 3 sections that collapsed lay flat on the river. The collapsed part of the bridge is about 1,000 feet long was supported by a steel truss structure. Repairs were being made to the bridge’s concrete deck, guard rails, and lights officials say.

Tags: Minneapolis Bridge, Minneapolis, Bridge

[via NYT]

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