Minneapolis Freeway Bridge Collapses into Mississippi

Minneapolis--A freeway bridge that serves as a main artery bridge in Minneapolis has collapsed this evening. The bridge, which connects the University of Minnesota with the downtown area fell to the Mississippi just after 6:00 Central Time during the rush hour. KARE-TV is reporting that 7 people are now confirmed dead in the accident and dozens more are injured. 

As of 10:00 p.m. local time, KARE says officials have reported that the focus has shifted from a rescue effort to a recovery effort. However, rescue crews are now saying that searches will continue in the morning when more light is available.

KARE reports that at least 50 cars were on the bridge at the time of the incident, however additional injuries may have occured to those crossing the bridge on bike or foot and construction workers. As of 11:30 p.m., all but one construction worker had been accounted for.

It's an event that doesn't make the news everyday. An online update from KARE-TV quotes MnDot's Kent Bernard as saying this is something that he has never seen in his life. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty called this an incident of historic proportions for the state of Minnesota.  

A center for family members and friends of loved ones has been setup at the Holiday Inn Metrodome near the bridge.

Law enforcement officials have been stressing through news conferences and interviews to avoid the accident scene in the coming days and use alternative routes. 

Blood donations are also needed for this emergency. KARE-TV lists several donation places on their website. People wishing to donate can also call 1-800-Give-Life and 612-460-3700 locally. 

Cleanup will continue, however local journalists covering the event have discussed how the rebuilding process is something that will take years.

Visi.com reports the I-35 bridge originally opened in November of 1967 and had a traffic count of 140,000 in 2002.