Minneapolis people

[teigyr]

We're watching online videos of the bridge collapse. I hope everyone and their relatives are ok, it looks really scary. A co-worker's daughter lives there and he can't get through to call her, I guess all the circuits are busy.

[northstar]

I live just over a mile from the bridge...we are ok, thank goodness. Part of the bridge came down over a very popular area to cycle (West River Road).

I just can't believe it happened. Rush hour and Twins traffic. :( :eek:

[Mr. Bloom]

It's unbelievable. Looks like the aftermath of an earthquake...without the earthquake!

[northstar]

Extra scary thing is that my dad actually works for the construction company (PCI) that was doing the concrete maintenance on the bridge surface. He milled that bridge last weekend. Word is there is one PCI worker who is unaccounted for. I'm so thankful my dad wasn't out there....

[teigyr]

It looks so scary just from the pictures. Northstar, I'm glad you and your father are ok...and I hope everyone you know is accounted for. I hear there are still people stranded on the bridge?

[northstar]

At this point I don't think there is anyone left on the bridge. There are cars, etc. burning and a lot of rescue workers out there.

[teigyr]

How will this impact traffic and people getting to their jobs? I know Seattle would practically be shut down if a bridge were to be lost. It's scary because some of ours are very old...I will drive extra fast over them when I go home tonight.

[pyxichick]

Thanks for your concern.

This is very surreal. I ride under that bridge all the time. I was on a bike ride south of St. Paul when it happened. I had such a weird bad feeling tonight I almost didn't go on my group ride because I was having such bad vibes, but I shook it off because I promised the group I'd practice paceline training for a team time trial coming up. On a big downhill I was at the front of a four-person paceline and I heard that horrendous sound when bikes crash. Two of the women in my line were lying on the ground and traffic luckily stopped in time. It was very disturbing to see teammates go down like that, especially when I was leading the line. Some of us continued our ride, and about 20 min. later, another teammate got a phone call from her husband telling her what had happened with the bridge.

The ride home was quiet and eerie, not just us, but the traffic, the people in St. Paul, everything was just weird.

The governor's car was just leaving the gov's mansion while we rode by on Summit Av.

I crossed the river on the way home and there were people standing there looking upriver and a rescue boat was going by.

When I got home there were frantic messages from my family, all worried about me and wondering where I was.

Waiting for my sweetie to get home from the Twins game. His cell phone is sitting here on the kitchen counter, so I have no idea when to expect him.

Northstar, I'm glad your dad is okay. This is so sad, I can't even watch t.v. Just listening to NPR.

Take Care everyone,
Kate:(

[Tri Girl]

I just saw what happened on tv. Oh my goodness- what a terrifying evening! :eek: I can't imagine what your city is going through right now- so saddened for everyone.
I'm praying extra hard for a very low casualty count- and for most to return home safe and sound tonight... :(

[KnottedYet]

http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/popup?id=3438665&contentIndex=1&page=1

[LBTC]

Extra butterflies to get Pyxichik's sweetie home safe and soon. And to help the rescue workers find *everyone*!!

Terrible, terrible thing to see:eek:

Hugs,
~T~

[Trek420]

A co-worker's daughter lives there and he can't get through to call her, I guess all the circuits are busy.

Reminder, in an emergency such as this stay off the phone.

Leave the lines open for emergency workers.

The reason is dial tone is a finite thing. You would think we can all call at once but there are a limited (while amazingly huge number) of circuits in each central office. If everyone calls or calls in at once, then all circuits are busy.

Obviously internet works and you may be able to text message.

If there's anyone on this board who needs to contact people out of the area to let them know you're ok, one option could be to post and I'm sure a TE'er out of the area can call your people. I'll be up for a while, others will too while I think and pray for the families.

Pyxichick, I'm sure the stadium has evacuation plans to get people informed of safe alternate routes and home safely. And I'll bet he'll never leaves without his cell phone again ;-) Please let us know when he's home safe.

[KnottedYet]

I will be up for another 15 minutes or so. I have free long distance thru my cell phone. Anybody in Minn/St.P needs to contact someone out of area, let me know and I will pass on the message. PM me.

[crazycanuck]

:eek: Holy !!!

pyxichick-i hope your sweetie comes home soon..
NOrthstar-good to hear your dad wasn't there.

To all other folks in the area, our thoughts are with you.

Take care

C

[Grog]

My thoughts are with you all.

[ClockworkOrange]

Being on a site like this so brings people from around the world together.

I just saw the news and the terrible catastrophe in Minneapolis.

It appears to be a miracle the yellow school bus ended up the right way and the children seemed to be alright.

pyxichick, sending you a huge hug. This must be such a worrying time for you and words seem so useless right now but please know that you are cared about, even from thousands of miles away. Perhaps by now your 'sweetie' has arrived home or at least you have had some news from him.

Sally

[Python]

Just watching this awful tragedy now (9am here).

Was worried when I see it because I know many of the TE members are from Minneapolis.

Thinking of you all (((((hugs)))))

[Duck on Wheels]

Even in the small format of a pc screen, the scenes from this catastrophe are mind-boggling. I hope all TE'ers and their significant others are safe and sound.

Being an earthquake state native with a sister who's a megatelcom employee, our family of course have a phone-tree plan ... somewhere. Not that I'd remember the plan or where to find it in an emergency. Still, on paper, it makes sense to have one person in the zone who is the contact person and a network outside who relay messages. And maybe, having thought this through, we would remember or recreate the plan when the need arose.

[Pax]

My thoughts go out to all the Minneapolis folks.

[East Hill]

Even in the small format of a pc screen, the scenes from this catastrophe are mind-boggling. I hope all TE'ers and their significant others are safe and sound.

Being an earthquake state native with a sister who's a megatelcom employee, our family of course have a phone-tree plan ... somewhere. Not that I'd remember the plan or where to find it in an emergency. Still, on paper, it makes sense to have one person in the zone who is the contact person and a network outside who relay messages. And maybe, having thought this through, we would remember or recreate the plan when the need arose.

If we have an earthquake here, the folks in San Jose call me. If there's an earthquake in San Jose, I call all of them.

East Hill

[cosc]

Minneapolis folks, I hope this note finds you and your loved ones safe. You are in my prayers. I often wonder about the safety of a old bridge that crosses the Missouri coming into our town. It is on the schedule to be replaced in the next few years.

[Tri Girl]

pyxichick- are you OK? Still worrying about your sweetie over here...

[IFjane]

{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} to all of you in Minneapolis as well as all of you elsewhere who may have family or friends there.

Like TriGirl said, Pyxichick please let us know your sweetie made it home safe and sound!

[Trek420]

Being an earthquake state native with a sister who's a megatelcom employee, our family of course have a phone-tree plan ... somewhere.

We do? :confused: I think we need to re-do that, I think it was we make that one call out to EK eliphant but now she's in the UK. Could still call there or you .... but excuse the thread hijack.

Pyxichick? Mr Pyxichick? It could take him a while to get home between the crowd and the situation. I was at home when the Loma Prieta hit. Everyone here shares stories of "where where you when the big one (really a medium one) hit ...." Some East Bay friends who work in the city and SF friends who work in East Bay took over 24 hours to get home. Several just stayed where they were overnight.

[Duck on Wheels]

We do? :confused: I think we need to re-do that, I think it was we make that one call out to EK eliphant but now she's in the UK. Could still call there or you .... but excuse the thread hijack.

Pyxichick? Mr Pyxichick? It could take him a while to get home between the crowd and the situation. I was at home when the Loma Prieta hit. Everyone here shares stories of "where where you when the big one (really a medium one) hit ...." Some East Bay friends who work in the city and SF friends who work in East Bay took over 24 hours to get home. Several just stayed where they were overnight.

Yeah, basically I guess we need a flexible quasiplan, more like nearest relative outside the area gets called by someone inside. Everybody else contacts that outside person, and said person sets up a phone tree as soon as there's any real info. Cuz you never really know where "the area" is gonna be.

I was here in Norway when the Loma Prieta hit, but I recall that the ladies who lived in "the old egg house" were at Candlestick Park at the ball game. They got kept there, I think, until enough was known about safe routes that people could be released out to their cars. So Mr. Pyxiechick may be safe and well, but stuck somewhere waiting for the all clear signal. Or maybe he's home already, but we don't know it because the Pyxiechicks have a modem connection and the phone lines are all snarled. Anyway, let's hope for the best.

[indigoiis]

Oh yikes. My thoughts are with everyone in Minneapolis.

[Bad JuJu]

Sending out compassion and hoping for the best for everyone caught up in this tragedy.

I've lived through some pretty bad hurricanes, but at least they give you some time to prepare. This bridge collapse, well, there's no way you could prepare for that if you're just an ordinary citizen, though it's beginning to sound as if the bridge's structural integrity was at least questionable.

Pyxichick, I hope your honey is OK.

[Ninabike]

Pyxichick, please let us know about your DH. I have a whole lot of relatives in Minneapolis, including my brother. I couldn't get through on my cell phone, but e-mail worked fine. They are all OK.

[slinkedog]

This is such a nightmare. Thoughts and prayers going out to all of you in MN.

Pyxichick, is everything okay?

[Trek420]

.... you never really know where "the area" is gonna be.

I was here in Norway when the Loma Prieta hit, but I recall that the ladies who lived in "the old egg house" were at Candlestick Park at the ball game. They got kept there, I think, until enough was known about safe routes that people could be released out to their cars. So Mr. Pyxiechick may be safe and well, but stuck somewhere waiting for the all clear signal. Or maybe he's home already, but we don't know it because the Pyxiechicks have a modem connection and the phone lines are all snarled. Anyway, let's hope for the best.

I was living near Peidmont Ave at the time, looking for a new job.

I had an interview with East Bay Regional Parks District that got canceled at the last minute. So I was home watching da' game when "woah, this is a big one" :(

If the interview had gone as scheduled I would have been on the freeway at the time, you know, the one that's no longer there. :(

Hopefully Pyxichick & Mr Pyxichick are being thankful that he's safe ;)

T&P and butterflies to the families there.

[teigyr]

I hope Mr. Pyxichick is ok also.

I was finally able to watch news coverage last night, I can't even imagine how everyone is coping. So scary and really enforces the fact that all of us need a disaster plan and phone tree.

Am hoping for the best for all the TE people and their loved ones...am also hoping the missing people are just stuck somewhere trying to get home.

[sundial]

Pyxichick, any updates? :confused: I'm wishing the best for you and your family. Please let us know you're sweetie is safe.

[Pedal Wench]

Pyxichick, any updates? :confused: I'm wishing the best for you and your family. Please let us know you're sweetie is safe.

No word from her blog either. I hope he's okay.

[teawoman]

Thinking of you all. What a terrible thing to happen.

[Trek420]

I hope Mr. Pyxichick is ok also.

I was finally able to watch news coverage last night, I can't even imagine how everyone is coping. So scary and really enforces the fact that all of us need a disaster plan and phone tree.

Am hoping for the best for all the TE people and their loved ones...am also hoping the missing people are just stuck somewhere trying to get home.

Reminds me I have emergency supplies at home and always refining what I've got. I've been meaning to have a kit in the car and at work. You can get stuck somewhere for a while.

[bikerchick68]

what an absolutely horrifying tragedy... my thoughts are with everyone living there and with loved ones there... so, so sad. :(

[bmccasland]

From the lower end of the Mississippi - ((((((((upper Miss))))))))

Gives me the willies - like most cities we'd be lost without our bridges. Nationally we're getting towards the end of the lifespan for many bridges, and unfortunately most are not funded for replacement. I miss my innocent days before I started working for a huge engineering firm. In the old daze I just worried about biology things.

Hug a civil engineer they get to figure out how to make our aging bridges last a wee bit longer, design new ones, and figure out what went wrong.

Clogged phone lines - we managed to do it for weeks after Katrina. Cell phone companies were begging people to text message since it uses a different frequency than voice and goes faster. I could call out - I was evacuated out of the area "roaming" but no one could call me. Phone calls within the area code were the most difficult. So, yes, call someone out of the area, or email, to let everyone know you're OK in case of a disaster.

[KnottedYet]

I'm really hoping that the only reason we haven't heard from the Pyxichick family is cuz the communication lines are overloaded.

[pyxichick]

Thanks for your good wishes, I'm sorry this is the first chance I've had to get back on here.

Michael came home safely late last night. The game went into extra innings and when he got home, he knew what had happened, but hadn't seen any pictures or knew the extent of the damage. So we sat up late watching the news.

I've heard so many stories of people who say they had just gone over the bridge earlier that day, or decided to take a different route that night. Lots of close calls, but nobody that I know was involved.

The city is sort of in shock right now I think. My friend works downtown and can see the bridge from her building. She said it was like a circus today with helicopters and national media and people walking dogs and pushing baby strollers down there just to get a look at what happened.

It's amazing so many people survived the fall.

There are a lot of good people out there who have and are helping out, and it's really heartwarming to hear from friends and acquaintances who are concerned about everyone's well-being.

Thanks for all your good wishes. Send your good thoughts to the families of people who didn't make it.

Namaste,
Kate

[ClockworkOrange]

Michael came home safely late last night.
Namaste,
Kate

Hi Kate

I came home late last night from work, checked to see if you had replied and nothing! Just logged on and so very happy to read your post, that your Michael is home safe.

pyxichick??? What does this name mean to me, really odd, there is no face when I think about you, yet I felt so very sad and worried yesterday about your post on here.

I discover/learn so many different things by coming on this site.

Namaste? Never heard of it, so I had a look on the internet, I am not religious but I was interested in what I read. I am sure if nothing else, others seeing this lovely photograph of the children will make them smile.....I hope.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Missbe/NamasteGirls.jpg

Hope Minnieapolis and it's people recover real soon.

Sally

Thanks to you I also came across this, think it sums people up on this site, don't you? I might keep this on the end of all my posts.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Missbe/s_3f1cd76f7fbd25d4ba3b2c5f45d49e2c.gif

[Tri Girl]

Kate,
thanks for posting back! I know many of us were very concerned when we hadn't heard. Very glad that Michael is safe and sound. :)

We'll continue to keep your city in our prayers. I saw a family on CNN yesterday who's wife/mother is missing. Just cried and cried. So sad. :(



ClockworkOrange- LOVE the flashing box at the bottom. We ARE all connected in this world! If we'd remember that, we might stop fighting and at least try to get along. Wishful thinking, I suppose...

[missymaya]

I'm glad that your man is ok pyxichick and I hope that more are ok as well. I'll keep them in my thoughts.

[LBTC]

{{{{{{{{{pyxichik}}}}}}}}}} Happy butterflies to you and your DH! I was relieved to read your post last night!

My thoughts are often there with the families and the divers, and the people who are suffering there.

CWO - wonderful photo, and great signature!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Python]

So happy to see you back on the forum and the wonderful news that your DH is OK.

Been worried about you.

(((((Hugs)))))

[Ninabike]

Kate, So glad your Michael is OK. My thoughts and prayers are with the prople there.

[RoadRaven]

I didn't realise this was happening til last night - I hadn't opened this thread because I thought it was a bunch of Min Gals wanting to ride together.

The pictures on the news have been graphic and frightening, and there are many here in the southern hemisphere who are sending positive and warm thoughts to you in the north.

Special hugs for the pyxichik family - so pleased you and your man are ok.

[Kano]

Very scary situation over ther! Dad called and left a message that we should watch the news -- I worked late, but when I got home and got a chance to see what was going on, my thoughts were for my brother, who lives in the area, but I don't think he drives THERE. What I was concerned about was that he's a volunteer fireman in his community, and would SURELY have gone to help. Not that this is a bad thing, but it's a dangerous spot to put himself in, eh?

I talked with Mom yesterday morning, and she said that he went right to the fire station, and found out that there were already plenty of people at the scene, so he stayed the evening and was available for other "events" -- she said he did have a fire run through the evening, but didn't "get" to go help at the bridge.

Can't say I'm disappointed for him, since it wasn't fun to worry about him through the night, but I hope that if I were in a situation that needed that kind of jump in and help without concern for my own well being, I'd be ready, willing, and able too!

Karen in Boise

[teigyr]

Pyxichick, am SO glad Michael is ok. You must have been so worried.

Kano, I'm glad your brother is ok too. It is scary stuff for the divers and rescuers, at least it looks that way.

I do like how this website unites us from all over the world. It really brings world events must closer to home - other places just aren't "somewhere else".

[pyxichick]

I have to say, I'm surprised at how much international attention this has gotten considering the typhoons in Asia and the train wrecks in Africa that have killed far more people and devastated more lives. We have had a relatively low death toll, and the only lasting impact to those not directly involved is really on peoples' commute time. I'm not judging anyone, just find it really interesting to see what makes the headlines, especially here in the U.S.

Thanks again for everyone who sent me their positive energy. It's lovely to know that so many people care about others enough to take time out of their day to express those intentions.

Maybe tomorrow I'll have the nerve to ride my bike two miles up the road to see in person what really happened. Northstar, you probably have already seen it in person. I'm guessing you live pretty close.

Take care everyone.

Kate

[Grog]

I have to say, I'm surprised at how much international attention this has gotten considering the typhoons in Asia and the train wrecks in Africa that have killed far more people and devastated more lives. We have had a relatively low death toll, and the only lasting impact to those not directly involved is really on peoples' commute time. I'm not judging anyone, just find it really interesting to see what makes the headlines, especially here in the U.S.

First, let me say I'm really glad you and your family are all okay. What a scary moment!

I think the tragedy hits home for just about everyone living in North America because our infrastructure are pretty much all the same age, and what just happened there is seen as very likely to happen in many other cities. It actually happened just last summer in Laval, north of Montreal, where an overpass collapsed on the highway. It was of a much smaller magnitude than the Minneapolis collapse, but there were still five dead (and MAJOR traffic disruptions for months). And the ministry of Transport of the province has now published a long list of structures that are forbidden to some types of trucks and is quite concerned with the state of many other road bridges and similar structures... In Ontario the ministry expressed similar concerns today about a number of high-traffic structures. In every city, the engineering department are scratching their heads hard.

Someone above said 'hug a civil engineer'. I second that!!

[RoadRaven]

I have to say, I'm surprised at how much international attention this has gotten considering the typhoons in Asia and the train wrecks in Africa that have killed far more people and devastated more lives.
Here in NZ those other tradgedies have had initial high priority coverage and then continued coverage over the ensuing days.

Take care when you bike along there on the morrow. Can you bike with a friend?

[abvnx]

wow, im just now hearing about this:eek: so glad everyone is ok. hugs to MN people