3 sections of a freeway bridge collapsed over the Mississippi River near downtown Minneapolis during rush hour, 06:05pm, on 8/1/07.
The Mississippi meanders through the Twin Cities and flows approximately SouthEast at the collapse site. Going south, an exit would take you downtown or to the West Bank campus of the University of Minnesota. Going north, there is an exit going to the main Minneapolis campus.
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The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome is nearby. Many people were crossing the bridge to attend a Twins game. The game was played with the thought that it would be better for fans to stay there than to get back into traffic. (The Twins lost to the Royals, 5-3, in the 10th inning.)
This 40-year-old bridge is a major north-south thoroughfare through the middle of town. The bridge was being resurfaced, with construction expected to be completed in September. As a result, only 2 lanes were open each way for traffic.
For information about friends or family, call the Red Cross at 612-871-6767 or the Holiday Inn Metrodome at 612-333-4646.
Updated 8/20/07
