WI - 35W bridge in Minneapolis collapses!

[cheko1]

About 20 minutes away. Not that close, but we, like most people who live here, have crossed that bridge numerous times. While I35W is an interstate, it is also the main way across the metro.

I am about 35 min away from it. We cross it real often too. We go to all the home Viking games. My daughter & son both cross it several times a day. So I totally freaked out.....until I found her & my Grandkids.

When I told Hubby it went down he said no way! He also crosses it several times a week. He just called & it sounds like his company will be fencing off the area.

 

[Trino]

TV (Channel 5) just said there are between 70,000 and 80,000 bridges in the US that have the same designation as the I35W bridge. Isn't this just awful?

Gov. Pawlenty just said he hired a private firm to investigate the cause of the bridge collapse to avoid a conflict of interest with MNDOT, BUT, then, he asked MNDOT to investigate other bridges that might be suspect. Does this make sense?

 

[cheko1]

If you live in the TC, this story sure makes you feel safe (LOL). The Cayuga and 52 bridges don't appear to be up to par either.

Why is so much money being spend on building projects in Iraq when our own country needs roads/bridges repaired?

http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_6526874

 

[SeriouslySearching]

It is more than awful...it is truly neglectful!!! If we allowed our homes to be in such disrepair, knew it, didn't fix it immediatedly, and it killed a person...we would be in jail and they could legally sue for everything we had!

 

[cheko1]

TV (Channel 5) just said there are between 70,000 and 80,000 bridges in the US that have the same designation as the I35W bridge. Isn't this just awful?

Gov. Pawlenty just said he hired a private firm to investigate the cause of the bridge collapse to avoid a conflict of interest with MNDOT, BUT, then, he asked MNDOT to investigate other bridges that might be suspect. Does this make sense?

I am listening to 5 also....I heard it & it sounded like side stepping to me.
Gov Pawlenty is going to be under alot of pressure over this disaster. When he runs again it will be used against him......

 

[cheko1]

It is more than awful...it is truly neglectful!!! If we allowed our homes to be in such disrepair, knew it, didn't fix it immediatedly, and it killed a person...we would be in jail and they could legally sue for everything we had!

You can bet that the state of Mn is shaking in there shoes. Some lawyers are sitting rubbing hands together & already making phone calls or have a representative outside of the hospitals handing out calling cards. The lawsuits will probably begun to be filed by Monday if it takes that long.

 

[eve]

I am listening to 5 also....I heard it & it sounded like side stepping to me.
Gov Pawlenty is going to be under alot of pressure over this disaster. When he runs again it will be used against him......

Hi cheko,

So glad your son and friend were ok, I can sure relate as I thought mine was traveling the bridge yesterday as he had the day before. I am also listening - to CCO. I am not happy to hear all the rationalizing. Every time he mentions that the bridge was structurally deficient he is quick to point out that 80,000 bridges across the country are also. We have our priorities really screwed up. Of course there isn't any money if the legislature "thinks" other things are more important. They are always commiting public money here to stadiums, airlines, you name it. Get to the ball games and increase business profits! If you don't fall off the bridge on the way! Fly around the country, but better be careful if you drive!

Eve

 

[cheko1]

Hi cheko,

So glad your son and friend were ok, I can sure relate as I thought mine was traveling the bridge yesterday as he had the day before. I am also listening - to CCO. I am not happy to hear all the rationalizing. Every time he mentions that the bridge was structurally deficient he is quick to point out that 80,000 bridges across the country are also. We have our priorities really screwed up. Of course there isn't any money if the legislature "thinks" other things are more important. They are always commiting public money here to stadiums, airlines, you name it. Get to the ball games and increase business profits! If you don't fall off the bridge on the way! Fly around the country, but better be careful if you drive!

Eve

I am also very glad to hear your son is well. Scares the geevies out of a person.

Yes ALOT of side stepping.....but the fact remains the bridge collapsed in Mn, not the other 80,000 bridges in the country. MN DOT is really dancing aren't they? Fact is "SOMEONE" failed to do there job & alot of people are injured & dead. Lots of lawsuits.....will never bring the people back but it should never of happened.

Gov Pawlenty says the other bridges that are built the same way is the Osceola bridge thats the one my family is going to have to use. Makes a person scream bloody murder.

On the Stillwater bridge the structure was falling apart some smart dude decided to TRY welding new pieces up & they popped off....it shakes when you go across it.

 

[Mysticchic]

Ohhh a whole 5 mil! Sound like it will cover the cost of one beam!

 

[Trino]

Ron Rosenbaum (attorney) was on Channel 5 (KSTP), too. He said last night there were private attorneys at the site, as well as attorneys for the state. Kinda sad when the bodies aren't even all out of the river.

Did you see the MNDOT interview? I thought MNDOT was really trying to cover their a$$es. I bet heads will roll somewhere.

 

[Paladin]

I bet heads will roll somewhere.

I would hope so. How angry would you be if a loved one died in that mess? All of that stuff is preventable.

 

[Trino]

Divers still are out of the water - too dangerous. Other than shutting off the dam, how are they ever going to get the cars/people/debris out of the water?

 

[christine2448]

I would hope so. How angry would you be if a loved one died in that mess? All of that stuff is preventable.

I can't even begin to comprehend how the families of the ones that didn't survive are dealing..and I think this will compound it. Also, we hear X # of survivors, that means alive, we have no idea what shape they are in, they could be paralyzed, loss of limbs, vegtables, we don't know anything except they are alive. I am so sorry to all of those involved.

 

[cheko1]

Ron Rosenbaum (attorney) was on Channel 5 (KSTP), too. He said last night there were private attorneys at the site, as well as attorneys for the state. Kinda sad when the bodies aren't even all out of the river.

Did you see the MNDOT interview? I thought MNDOT was really trying to cover their a$$es. I bet heads will roll somewhere.

I'd no sooner posted about lawyers & heard it on 5. LOL

Yes its very sad lawyers are canvasing clients at such a awful time. Pi$$es me off.......

Yes heads are going to roll. I'm shocked Gov Pawlenty is talking to anyone. He should absolutely not comment.....as the rest of them. They're all dancing around in circles. Thing they need to shut up & get the bodies recovered then talk. People are apt to be more forgiving if they have the remains of there loved ones. JMHO

Gov Pawlenty can kiss his political career away. People will always blame him for the bridge collapsing. JMO

 

[SeriouslySearching]

You can bet that the state of Mn is shaking in there shoes. Some lawyers are sitting rubbing hands together & already making phone calls or have a representative outside of the hospitals handing out calling cards. The lawsuits will probably begun to be filed by Monday if it takes that long.

While you can't sue the Government...they can sue the private companies...engineering firms, construction companies, and other entities. I have no doubt the bigger sharks..er...uhm...lawyers are circling right along with the vultures *coughambulancechasers*.

Cool..just heard Greta...she seems to be repeating everything we say. LMAO (Singing..."just my imagination...running away with meeee..)

 

[christine2448]

Cool..just heard Greta...she seems to be repeating everything we say. LMAO (Singing..."just my imagination...running away with meeee..)

Hi Greta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[cheko1]

While you can't sue the Government...they can sue the private companies...engineering firms, construction companies, and other entities. I have no doubt the bigger sharks..er...uhm...lawyers are circling right along with the vultures *coughambulancechasers*.

Cool..just heard Greta...she seems to be repeating everything we say. LMAO (Singing..."just my imagination...running away with meeee..)

LOL That Greta is to cool!!!!

Yes the private co are shaking.......I have no pity on them either. They should be out doing there jobs. That bridge should NEVER of collapsed.
We shouldn't even be having to discuss it here. grrrrrrrrrrr

 

[Trino]

Police Sgt. E.T. Nelson, Sgt. Karl Olson, and Officer Jason Schmitt were first responders who negotiated the debris from the shore to get to people in the middle. They jumped on beams, waded in the water, jumped over debris. I wish all of you could hear Sgt. Nelson's interview. He was so undramatic, said he was just doing his job. They are real life heroes.

There were also heroes from the civilian population who rescued people in the water and on the bridge. They need to be honored.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

Sometimes ordinary becomes extraordinary when people are confronted with the impossible. They do need to honor all the heros in this disaster. It is always the silver lining to see people come together to save lives at the risk of their own. Gives you faith the good in this world still exists! : )

 

[cheko1]

Police Sgt. E.T. Nelson, Sgt. Karl Olson, and Officer Jason Schmitt were first responders who negotiated the debris from the shore to get to people in the middle. They jumped on beams, waded in the water, jumped over debris. I wish all of you could hear Sgt. Nelson's interview. He was so undramatic, said he was just doing his job. They are real life heroes.

There were also heroes from the civilian population who rescued people in the water and on the bridge. They need to be honored.

They definately need commended for the job they did! Yes they were awesome.

I couldn't believe how many civilians went to the rescue. They all had to be in shock. The video they showed was frightening to watch. In all sincerity it could of been MUCH worse!