Minneapolis people

[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 so glad everyone is ok. hugs to MN people