Collapse captured on security camera video.
Aftermath of Interstate 35W Bridge Collapse.
The entire span of Interstate 35W bridge between Minneapolis and St. Paul collapsed into the Mississippi River during evening rush hour (about 6 p.m.) Wednesday, August 1, 2007 [MAP/SAT]. Some people died while trapped and communicating with rescuers Wednesday night.
Early reports from the Homeland Security Department have stated there is no indication of a terrorist act with the collapse of the bridge.
Aftermath morning report is at least 4 killed and 60 injured (6 in critical condition). More people are missing. Some people fell in their cars about 50 feet. At least vehicles fell into the water. Some vehicles were burning in the aftermath. A school bus that was near a burning truck contained children that escaped through a rear exit of the bus — the front door of the bus was obstructed. Rescue and/or recovery was suspended at about 1:00 a.m. due to danger complicated by nightfall. One advantage to recovery operations is that the current flow is relatively slow Thursday morning, according to the sheriff’s office.
Map and satellite image of Interstate 35W where bridge collapsed in Minneapolis-St. Paul region. The collapsed bridge crossed the Mississippi River, just north of Interstate 94 near Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.
The Interstate 35W bridge over the Mississippi River was a steel-arched bridge (built in 1967) climbed as high as 64 feet above the Mississippi River and spanned about 1,900 feet across the river. The 35W bridge was constructed with a 458-foot-long steel arch to reduce the need for supports in the river and provide a clear path for boat travel. The Mississippi River current is also swift and strong at the bridge location, which would be stressful on supports in the water.