Minneapolis Bridge Collapse
The Tacoma Narrows 135W Interstate Suspension Bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed during rush-hour traffic, the bridges center section is reported to have collapsed in less than 4 seconds sending tons of concrete 64feet (20 m) down into the rapid current. The reason behind the Minneapolis bridge collapse is said to be wind-induced vibrations.
As per official statements atleast 4 people are believed to be dead and 62 people were injured in the event. Most of the freeway has fallen into the water in sections throwing about 50 cars into the river. There are fears that additional sections may fall. There are reports of about 20- 30 people are missing both the figures are expected to rise as the combing of the area is still underway. A School bus clung to the side of a collapsed section over the river with over 60 children. However the rescue workers successfully ferried them all to safety. They sustained only minor injuries. The rescue work will take atleast three days due to heavy current in the river and there are people trapped inside vehicles underwater. However the authorities has so far denied any involvement of terrorists in the even even though the area has been classified as a crime scene.
A study conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation in the year 2001 has found "several fatigue problems" in the bridges structure. It is estimated that about 100,000 cars travel over the bridge every day and most unfortunately the collapse occurred during rush hour yesterday. The bridge which is now 40 years old was undergoing repair work at the time of collapse. only one lane was open in either direction during the time of the accident on the eight-lane road because of construction work
As per eye witness Gary Babineau who was driving his truck across the bridge when it fell:
“I could see the whole bridge as it was going down and as I was falling, and it just gave a rumble real quick, and it all just gave way, and it just fell completely all the way to the ground. ”
Minneapolis Bridge Collapse Photos
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is the longest twin suspension bridge in the world This I-35W Eight-lane, steel-arch bridge Built back in 1967 is being used by 140,000 cars a day. A pair of mile-long (1600 meter) suspension bridges with main spans of 2800 feet (850 m), they carry Washington State Route 16 across the Tacoma Narrows of Puget Sound between Tacoma and the Kitsap Peninsula, USA. The first bridge, nicknamed Galloping Gertie, was opened to traffic on July 1, 1940. It became famous for a dramatic wind-induced structural collapse five months later, an event that was caught on motion picture film. The first replacement bridge opened in 1950, and a parallel bridge opened in 2007. – Source Wikipedia.
Bridge Collapse Video
Bridge Collapse Video
This Security camera video showes the Minnesota's Interstate 35W bridge's center section collapsing into the Mississippi river in less than four seconds. The northern end of the span goes first and the southern end follows.
Let us join hands in prayer with the grieving families of the victims.
3 comments:
Such a tragedy. All of the victims and their families are in my prayers.
Just surfed upon your blog and wanted to say hello.
Tacoma Narrows was a suspension bridge. Minneapolis was a steel truss bridge. Minor point.
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