Minneapolis Bridge Collapse Death Toll Expected to Rise

More than 60 people were taken to area hospitals, and it is unlikely more survivors will be found.

A televised image from a Minneapolis television station shows the Interstate 35W bridge after it collapsed into the Mississippi River in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

(MINNEAPOLIS) - At least four people were killed and 30 people are missing after a highway bridge over the Mississippi river buckled and collapsed, sending cars and trucks into the waters 64-feet below.

An estimated 50 vehicles fell into the river or were crushed as parts of the eight lane Interstate 35W bridge, a major Minneapolis artery, that was undergoing repairs and had several lanes closed when it crumbled during the evening rush hour in Minneapolis on Wednesday. After four hours of frantic rescue efforts before night fell the focus today would shift from search to recovery authorities said.

More than 60 people were taken to area hospitals, and it is unlikely more survivors will be found.

The death toll is likely to rise later today authorities said.

Department of Homeland Security officials said there was no sign that the bridge's collapse was the result of terrorism.

The governor said the 40-year-old steel arch bridge was last inspected in 2006 and no structural problems were found.

There was, however, work taking place on the bridge "relating to concrete repair and rehabilitation and replacement, guard rail replacement, righting replacement and work on the joints," he said.

A school bus loaded with 57 children from a church group could be seen on the bridge but did not fall into the river as it collapsed.

The children were all rescued, although 10 of them were taken to hospital, the Red Cross said.