I-35W Collapse

I am in complete shock over the I-35W bridge collapse that happened yesterday at 6:05PM. Currently there are 4 confirmed dead with approximately 20 people still unaccounted for. This is a bridge I have driven over thousands of times and in this day and age we just don't expect anything like this can happen. The 35W is a major artery going into and out of Minneapolis and officials are saying that it will most likely be upwards of two years before the bridge is replaced.

This is one glaring example of how we humans fool ourselves into believing that we are in control and that in our post-modern age nothing bad should ever happen (myself included). As I read my evening prayers last night I thought how appropriate that we read from psalm 112:

[1]Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands...
[7]He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
[8]His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes

Trust in the lord, because trusting in ourselves is vain and self-delusional. And pray for the victims of this tragedy.

I want to give Kudos to all the first responders, Police, Fire medical personnel and the Red Cross who were on scene. All reports are that they did a superb job. Also Governor Pawlenty and Mayor RT Rybak worked well coordinating the rescue efforts and were also on scene and provided information to the media for those of us who could not turn off our TV's. Congrats to all of them. If you would like to help please consider donating to the Twin Cities Red Cross they are in need of blood and money so please help out if you can.

Lastly one thing I could not get out of my head last night was the fact that a section of 35W is now laying across the TC10 Mile route that my sisters and I are signed up for. I can't imagine the cleanup going quickly as they need to determine exactly what caused the collapse. My guess right now is that they will re-route the race.

Information about the bridge can be found on Here on Wikipedia but as always be cautious of information there as information may be changing quickly. There is some good historical information there.