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BREAKING NEWS: Minneapolis bridge collapse sends cars into river

Motorists being rescued after freeway span falls during evening rush hour

The Associated Press

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A four-lane interstate bridge spanning the Mississippi River collapsed during evening rush hour today, sending vehicles and tons of concrete crashing into the water.

The entire span of the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed about 6:05 p.m. A tractor-trailer caught fire, and flame and black smoke billowed into the sky.

Local television stations captured video of injured people being carried up the riverbank. There was no official word on injuries, but dozens of rescue vehicles were there. Divers were also in the water.

Some people were stranded on parts of the bridge that aren’t completely in the water.