Crews Pull Car from Minnesota Bridge Wreckage

Flags flew at half staff at the Minnesota Capitol on Wednesday, one week after the Interstate 35W bridge collapse.

Photo courtesy: FBI

(MIINEAPOLIS) - Crews pulled a car Tuesday from the wreckage in the Mississippi River by the collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge, clearing the way for Navy divers to search for more victims hidden in the murky waters.

The elite team of Navy divers joined the search for victims of the interstate bridge collapse Tuesday.

Authorities pulled a car out of the river, but there were no bodies inside.

Eight people are reported missing.

Hennepin County Sheriff‘s Capt. Bill Chandler told the AP that the vehicle was removed to make room for the Navy dive operation.

Federal authorities are using a robotic, arm-groping submarine, a helicopter equipped with cameras and detailed images being captured from scanners onshore to help search for the missing.

On land, workers have begun moving heavy construction equipment into position to eventually hoist away the tons of concrete and steel bridge wreckage.

State transportation officials said they hope to award contracts next month, with the goal of having a new bridge standing at the end of 2008.