When All Of A Sudden I Hear This
Chaos erupted in downtown Minneapolis early this morning as a section of the I-35W bridge unexpectedly collapsed. Authorities are scrambling to assess the full extent of the damage and rescue efforts are underway.
The sudden structural failure has prompted an immediate shutdown of the interstate and a city-wide emergency response. Focus remains on rescuing potential victims trapped in the wreckage and determining the cause of this catastrophic incident.
Immediate Aftermath
At approximately 6:05 AM CST, witnesses reported hearing a deafening roar followed by the distinct sound of metal shearing. This was immediately followed by the collapse of a 100-foot section of the southbound I-35W bridge near the University of Minnesota.
First responders, including the Minneapolis Fire Department and Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, arrived within minutes. Their immediate priority is searching for survivors in the debris field, which stretches across the Mississippi River bank.
So far, three individuals have been confirmed dead and twelve have been transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical, according to a statement released by the Minneapolis Police Department at 8:00 AM CST.
Rescue Operations
Rescue operations are being hampered by the unstable nature of the remaining bridge structure. Engineers are on site assessing the structural integrity to prevent further collapses during the search.
Specialized search and rescue teams, including those with canine units trained to detect human remains, have been deployed. They are meticulously combing through the wreckage.
The National Guard has been activated to assist with traffic control and security, ensuring the safety of emergency personnel and preventing unauthorized access to the disaster zone.
Details Emerging
The I-35W bridge, a major artery for commuters and commercial traffic, was last inspected in 2020. At that time, no major structural deficiencies were reported, according to state transportation officials.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is currently reviewing inspection records and maintenance logs for the bridge. They are also investigating whether recent construction activity nearby may have contributed to the collapse.
Governor Tim Walz addressed the state in a televised press conference at 9:00 AM CST, declaring a state of emergency. He pledged all available resources to support the rescue efforts and conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse.
Eyewitness Accounts
“When all of a sudden I hear this… this gigantic rumble,” said Maria Sanchez, a resident who lives near the bridge. "I looked out my window and saw the whole thing just…gone. It was terrifying."
“I was driving across when it happened,” recounted truck driver David Miller. “I felt the bridge shake and then the car in front of me just disappeared. I slammed on my brakes and somehow managed to stop before going over the edge.”
Another witness, Sarah Johnson, described seeing cars plunging into the Mississippi River. She said, “I saw at least three cars go into the water. People were screaming.”
Impact and Investigation
The collapse of the I-35W bridge has created a significant transportation bottleneck in the Twin Cities area. Traffic is being diverted to alternate routes, causing major delays throughout the metro area.
MnDOT officials are advising commuters to avoid the downtown area if possible. They are encouraging the use of public transportation to alleviate congestion.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team of investigators to the site. They will conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the collapse, including examining the bridge's design, materials, and maintenance history.
Next Steps
Rescue operations will continue throughout the day and night. Authorities are working to account for all individuals who may have been affected by the collapse.
MnDOT is working to develop a plan to restore transportation access across the Mississippi River. This may involve constructing a temporary bridge or implementing alternative traffic management strategies.
The NTSB investigation is expected to take several months. It will provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The focus remains on understanding what led to this tragedy and ensuring the safety of infrastructure nationwide.
