Slow search for victims of Minn. bridge collapse

By Todd Melby

MINNEAPOLIS (Reuters) - Divers searched for victims submerged in the swirling, murky waters of the Mississippi River on Thursday in what authorities said would be a slow and dangerous recovery operation after the worst U.S. bridge collapse in more than 20 years.

Working carefully in fast-flowing eddies created by crumpled steel and concrete, divers with only a foot of visibility had located some of the vehicles that were hurled into the river when the 40-year-old bridge gave way during Wednesday's evening rush hour in Minneapolis.

"There are more than 10 vehicles in the river," Fire Chief Jim Clack said, without indicating whether there were victims inside.

Four people were confirmed dead and authorities said the toll was certain to rise from the unexplained collapse of the 500-foot (150-meter) span.

"A bridge in America just shouldn't fall down," said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat.

More than 50 vehicles plunged 65 feet into the river and onto debris from Interstate 35W as the bridge collapsed in a plume of dust, smoke and screams.

More than 60 people were hurt, many suffering broken bones, head and spinal injuries.

Federal authorities quickly ruled out terrorism as a cause, but state and federal safety officials said the bridge's inspection record did not indicate it was unsafe.

Specifically, the collapse raised questions about work being done to patch and resurface the bridge.

"What caused this unbelievable, almost incomprehensible tragedy?" added Republican Sen. Norm Coleman of Minnesota. "We need to understand that to make sure that this type of tragedy never happens ever again."

The contractor on the project said state engineers were closely supervising the work that included pouring a fresh layer of concrete on the deck.

Mike McGray, owner of Progressive Contracting Co., said he had "no idea" what may have caused the bridge to give way. One of his workers was missing and presumed dead.

PEOPLE CRUSHED

"People were pinned. People were partly crushed, talking to rescue workers ... telling them to tell their families goodbye" before they died, Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan said.

"It is still a tremendously dangerous scene," he said.