Minnesota bridge collapses

Rice_Cube · 08-01-2007, 09:59 PM

The story is plastered all over the news. Apparently at least one person drowned after the I-35W bridge just collapsed during rush hour traffic and all the cars on it at the time fell into the Mississippi River. Major suck

08-01-2007, 10:40 PM

I know. Isn't it unreal? I'm watching it on CNN- I can't help but think OMG!

08-01-2007, 11:17 PM

I just saw the pictures for the first time a few minutes ago. It's just unreal.

However, I have to say I couldn't help but wonder in the picture I saw...I hope no one was in that PORTA-JOHN sliding down one section of the collapsed bridge.

Any explanations on this yet? All I saw was that it isn't "terrorism-related".

Rice_Cube · 08-01-2007, 11:33 PM

I only saw that the bridge was under repairs anyway, and it was probably some structural deficiency that caused the collapse. I think a section of I-40 around the Memphis area also collapsed in a similar fashion a few years ago.

Diofan · 08-02-2007, 09:24 AM

Plastered all over the local news here in Seattle as well. They even brought in a bridge Engineer from the WADOT (WAshington Department Of Transportation) to explain the causes. The guy said a 40 year old bridge, properly maintained would not be considered old. He also thinks it may have been structurally weakened during the construction going on. (Well DUH?)

As of 5:30 AM Pacific time (8:30 AM Eastern), the death toll stood at 4. But that number could change as Divers search the Mississippi River.

Jessica · 08-02-2007, 09:34 AM

I must say that I'm extremely glad all those kiddos in the school bus got out alive.

What a horrible thing to happen. Reminiscent of the Cypress Structure and Bay Bridge collapsing in '89.