DEVELOPING STORY

AP/Pioneer Press Photo

"CATASTROPHE OF HISTORIC PROPORTIONS"

Interstate bridge in Minneapolis collapses during evening rush hour. Seven are known dead, 58 others known injured after more than 50 cars tumble into the Mississippi River.

CBS Photo

AP Photo

12:07 AM CST, Thursday, August 2

Tragedy struck in Minnesota's Twin Cities Wednesday night when the Interstate 35 west-bound bridge between Minneapolis and St. Paul suddenly collapsed into the Mississippi River during the evening rush hour. The result was 50 or more cars tumbling into the river, along with steel and chunks of concrete, in a cloud of dust, creating multiple car fires and shooting smoke into the air. At this hour, seven are known dead, along with 58 injuries with some in critical condition. The death toll is expected to rise, and divers are reportedly in the river searching for possible survivors. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty called the event a "catastrophe of historic proportions".

The cause is not fully known. Terrorism is not expected. Strong storms were in the area, but they are not yet believed to be at fault. Workmen were working on the bridge, but resurfacing was reported to be what was being done, hardly the kind of thing that brings down bridges. We can certainly expect a full investigation into what brought down the 40-year-old bridge.

According to Minneapolis Police Lt. Amelia Huffman, the bridge was busy at the time of collapse. "There were two lanes of traffic, bumper to bumper, at the point of the collapse. Those cars did go into the river. At this point there is nothing to suggest that this was anything other than a structural collapse."

Eyewitnesses said the collapse happened suddenly and without warning. Houston, Texas resident Jamie Winegar gave her account. She said she heard "boom, boom, boom and we were just dropping, dropping, dropping, dropping." Truck driver Gary Bavanaugh said, "The bridge started shaking and it went down fast."

This is a developing story, and as such, not a whole lot is certain about this event. I am getting late word now at 12:04 AM as I get ready to publish this, that twenty people are still missing. Also, the number of 50 cars is only that which have actually fallen into the river. Scores more cars remained on those parts of the expressway that remained above the water's reach.

Updates will be posted here as events warrant. May God grant mercy to those involved in this catastrophe. My prayers are with everyone involved.