Recovery Efforts Continue in Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

The confirmed death toll in the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis has been lowered, but authorities expect it to rise during the day today, as 20 people are still missing. Police Lt. Amelia Hiffman told the AP: "This morning, the medical examiner's office only has four sets of remains." Little hope is held for finding more survivors. "The likelihood is fairly slim," said Minneapolis Fire Chief Jim Clack. Operations have now changed from search and rescue to recovery.  At least 60 people were injured in the incident, six critically.

Among the missing are motorists, as well as at least one construction worker from Progressive Contractors Inc. About 20 workers were preparing to begin the night shift when the bridge collapsed, according to company officials.

According to various news accounts, there were approximately 50-60 vehicles on the bridge when it went down shortly after 6:00 PM Wednesday.

It will be some time before any answers can be provided as to the cause of this horrific collapse. Two years ago, the bridge was rated as "structurally deficient" and in possible need of replacement, according to an article in today's Minneapolis Star-Tribune. That rating is contained in the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Bridge Inventory database. The bridge was reinspected in 2005 and 2006 with no structural deficiencies identified, according to Gov. Tim Pawlenty. He called the bridge collapse "a catastrophe of historic proportions for Minnesota".

The investigation in to the cause of the collapse will most likely focus on vibration and fatigue cracking. Along with the ongoing construction work, a train was passing under the bridge. The former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board said in an interview that "vibration is one of (the) things that cause cracking to propogate. They will be looking at that." Burnett is in Minnapolis for a Republican National Committee meeting.

A statement was issued by Homeland Security Secrtary Michael Chertoff saying there was no indication of terrorism. Transportation Secretary mary Peters is scheduled to fly to the Twin Cities this morning.

Press conferences are scheduled for this morning to update on the status of rescue/recovery.

Photo by Jeff Wheeler , Star-Tribune