Breaking news!

[Dan J 277]

###### bridges should stay the ###### up.

(I doubt it's Al Qaeda, if only because there was no explosion, the bridge has been under construction, and who the ###### in al-Qaeda is going to go after Minneapolis?)

Not saying this IS terrorism but it's not really that far fetched to think they'd hit a major bridge in a major city. It's something I fear every day on my way to work.

There is no indication that terrorism had anything to do with it. Why is it when a major accident happens terrorism is the first thing on peoples minds? Until we know differently its an accident.

[Caladan 19]

It's a major city, but it's not NYC, SF, or DC. Less resonance. Kind of like Oklahoma City: a friend who works for, uh, the Treasury Department, explained they figured 'federal + Oklahoma' = homegrown, not international. In any case, it's not terrorism according to DHS, but... like, are their earthquakes in MN?

[Ban Hammer 13,255]

Watching is now on MSNBC... they're blaming vibrations... resonance...

musta been someone driving around using their rabbit

How about we let a bit more time pass before we try to turn a tragedy into comedy?

who are you and what did you do with aj/as/gupt?

[Dan J 277]

It's a major city, but it's not NYC, SF, or DC. Less resonance. Kind of like Oklahoma City: a friend who works for, uh, the Treasury Department, explained they figured 'federal + Oklahoma' = homegrown, not international. In any case, it's not terrorism according to DHS, but... like, are their earthquakes in MN?

No quakes, but expansion and contraction due to temperature changes between winter and summer can easily weaken and road or bridge. This bridge has had 40 years of it.

[Caladan 19]

If someone slashed bridge funding, Minnesota is going to eat his balls.

[homesick_american 1]

It's a major city, but it's not NYC, SF, or DC. Less resonance. Kind of like Oklahoma City: a friend who works for, uh, the Treasury Department, explained they figured 'federal + Oklahoma' = homegrown, not international. In any case, it's not terrorism according to DHS, but... like, are their earthquakes in MN?

No quakes, but expansion and contraction due to temperature changes between winter and summer can easily weaken and road or bridge. This bridge has had 40 years of it.

That's no excuse though; a 40 year-old bridge doesn't just collapse. 40 years old is not old for a bridge.

[Dan J 277]

If someone slashed bridge funding, Minnesota is going to eat his balls.

Yup, you can bet on that, Minnesota nice only goes so far.

Pictures are getting uploaded: http://www.flickr.com/photos/datasage/

[Jasman0717 9]

I just saw this, pretty scary

[chri'stina 190]

Very sad and stressful.

The thing that pops into my mind is a Mythbusters episode where they tested ways of getting out of cars that fell/crashed into water. Most of the public has no idea how to do it because it's not something we learn. And I can't help but think of the people whose cars have sunk. I hope more people got out than I think.

(Anyone who drives over bridges everyday should learn how to get out of a sinking car. There might still be info at Mythbuster's website, they tested many ways. )

[homesick_american 1]

Very sad and stressful.

The thing that pops into my mind is a Mythbusters episode where they tested ways of getting out of cars that fell/crashed into water. Most of the public has no idea how to do it because it's not something we learn. And I can't help but think of the people whose cars have sunk. I hope more people got out than I think.

(Anyone who drives over bridges everyday should learn how to get out of a sinking car. There might still be info at Mythbuster's website, they tested many ways. )

Anyone can just google it; there are a ton of websites with this info. Most of it is very similar.

[no name 1]

It's the work of Al Qaeda...

Not remotely funny or appropriate.

[Randy + Maggie 0]

As of 5:16 AM.

Hometown newspaper The Star-Tribune reported that nine people had been confirmed dead, 60 had been taken to hospitals and at least 20 remained missing early Thursday. The Associated Press put the number dead at seven so far.

Authorities said the death toll was expected to climb.

Asked about the possibility of finding more survivors, Fire Chief Jim Clack said, “The likelihood is fairly slim.”

and my sister lives there. no word yet from her

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Even two years ago, inspectors gave this bridge a "borderline" (50% sufficiency--"may need replacement") rating Edited August 2, 2007 by CherryXS

[UmmSqueakster 54]

If I remember correctly, we have something like a 20 year deficit in road construction needs. Haven't raised the gas tax in ages, not enough funding for roads.

I tried to get close this morning to take a peak, but no such luck. They're not letting anyone anywhere near it.

[homesick_american 1]

If I remember correctly, we have something like a 20 year deficit in road construction needs. Haven't raised the gas tax in ages, not enough funding for roads.

I tried to get close this morning to take a peak, but no such luck. They're not letting anyone anywhere near it.

It's looking like the death toll could be close to 30; there are 9 confirmed dead and 20 missing, and if those missing 20 are in the water...well...

It's not looking good. My heart goes out to people affected by this.

We need a serious investigation here. 35 is a major highway that runs north-south through the US from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. It runs all the way through Texas and splits into 35W and 35E to run through Fort Worth and Dallas respectively. It's an interstate and that would indicate at least some level of federal responsibility for it. If they're neglecting Minnesota, why wouldn't they neglect the Texas sections too? This is some pretty scary stuff here.

Also...this was the second bridge collapse in TWO DAYS; there was one in California on Tuesday. Just makes me wonder ####### is going on.