Episcopal Press and News
Minneapolis bridge collapse prompts prayers and support
Episcopal News Service. August 2, 2007 [080207-02]
Prayers and support are being offered for the people of Minneapolis, Minnesota and families affected by the tragedy of the Interstate 35W Bridge, a section of which collapsed shortly after 6 p.m. on August 1, sending between 50-60 vehicles plummeting more than 60 feet into the Mississippi River.
Presently, there are five confirmed deaths, 79 injuries, and 20-30 people remain missing, an Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) news release announced. Minnesota Bishop James Jelinek released a statement on behalf of the diocese calling for prayers for those affected by the tragedy.
"On behalf of the Diocese of Minnesota, we offer our prayers to all who are affected by the devastating bridge collapse in Minneapolis August 1," said Jelinek. "The University Episcopal Center is about a half mile away from the site, and, to our knowledge, all are fine."
Richard Ohlsen, ERD's director of Domestic Disaster Preparedness and Response, is in communication with the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota to identify needs. Diocesan staff will be in touch with other voluntary disaster organizations and Episcopal Community Service agencies to determine the appropriate response to meet the needs of those impacted by the tragedy. ERD stands ready to provide support as needs are identified.
Jelinek said that prayers and well wishes have been streaming in overnight from across the country. "We've had many questions asking, 'What can we do?' For now, we'll let the emergency personnel do their work and let them tell us what might be helpful when they are ready," he said.
"But we can do what we do best -- pray."
At a news conference held shortly after the collapse, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty said, "This is a catastrophe of historic proportions for Minnesota." The rescue effort is now in the search and recovery phase. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Minnesota's U.S. senators, Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar, are expected to arrive in Minneapolis August 2 to begin an investigation.