It now looks like the death toll in that Minnesota bridge collapse will end up being about a dozen. That's great news.... Unless, of course, you happen to be one of the dozen. Then it's probably not going to matter a whole lot to you on a personal level.
Authorities say that one reason for the new figure is that the river level was much lower than normal due to a prolonged drought. Also, the fact that the bridge was being worked on--only two of the four lanes were open in each direction--limited the number of cars that were actually on the structure when it gave way.
One of the most memorable images of the disaster was that of the stranded school bus. Here's an account of what it was like on the bus when it went down, and how everyone managed to get out.
Although the lower death toll may have come as a relief, not all the news from the scene of the collapse is good. In a disturbing development, President Bush has given his word to "make sure... that bridge gets rebuilt as quickly as possible."
Given this administration's track record in rebuilding Iraq and New Orleans, the people of Minneapolis should have their new bridge around 2075 or so.
Authorities say that one reason for the new figure is that the river level was much lower than normal due to a prolonged drought. Also, the fact that the bridge was being worked on--only two of the four lanes were open in each direction--limited the number of cars that were actually on the structure when it gave way.
One of the most memorable images of the disaster was that of the stranded school bus. Here's an account of what it was like on the bus when it went down, and how everyone managed to get out.
Although the lower death toll may have come as a relief, not all the news from the scene of the collapse is good. In a disturbing development, President Bush has given his word to "make sure... that bridge gets rebuilt as quickly as possible."
Given this administration's track record in rebuilding Iraq and New Orleans, the people of Minneapolis should have their new bridge around 2075 or so.
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