Bridge Collapse Sends Dozens of Cars into Mississippi River

It's the kind of scenario you see in a movie: A much-used bridge, jammed with cars during rush hour -- including a busload of children and teachers -- suddenly collapses. But, unlike the movies, no superhero appears to save the day.

I gasped when I saw the photos of the 40-year-old, 1,907-foot Interstate 35 West bridge that collapsed Wednesday between Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota. It looked like a child's toy that had been twisted and destroyed during rough play.

At least four people are confirmed dead, The Associated Press reports -- although initial death tolls were higher -- and dozens injured. Several of the about 60 children on the school bus were also injured, but the bus landed on all four tires as it fell and did not go into the Mississippi River. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that authorities estimate at least 20 people are still missing.

But police are now saying that what began as a rescue operation has turned into a recovery operation -- meaning they are looking for bodies now, not survivors. Authorities estimated 50 vehicles fell to the water and land below when the bridge collapsed. As one survivor said in a video on the Star Tribune site, you never know when your time has come.

Morning Edition's Steve Inskeep talked Jim Foti, the Star Tribune's transportation reporter, about reports of the bridge's condition. While the governor said the bridge had passed inspections in the last two years, Foti says there were reports of problems with the bridge.

You can watch live local coverage on KSTP.com, the ABC affiliate in Minneapolis, but you'll need to use an Internet Explorer web browser (FireFox won't work) and the latest Windows Media Player. WCCO.com, the CBS affiliate will allow you to use Firefox for viewing live updates.

9:35 AM ET | 08- 2-2007 | permalink