Bridge: Mississippi searched for bodies

Divers and rescue workers are continuing to search through the remains of a 1,900ft-bridge which collapsed into the Mississippi River.

The eight-lane Interstate 35W bridge, which was under repair, buckled during evening rush-hour on Wednesday, plunging dozens of cars into the river.

At least five people were killed and eight are still unaccounted for. Hospital officials said 79 others are being treated for injuries.

"'We have a number of vehicles that are underneath big pieces of concrete, and we do know we have some people in those vehicles," Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan said.

He added: "We know we do have more casualties at the scene. The bridge is still shifting. We're dealing with the Mississippi River. We're dealing with currents. We're going to have to do it slowly and safely."

US authorities are examining video footage of the disaster after it emerged a 2005 inspection of the 40-year-old steel-arched bridge, which rose 64ft above the river and stretched 1,900ft across, had found problems.

The Interstate 35W span rated 50 on a scale of 100 for structural stability and was classified as "structurally deficient" after significant corrosion in its bearings was discovered as early as 1990.

Eighteen construction workers involved in a routine resurfacing project were on the bridge when it collapsed.

White House press secretary Tony Snow said the inspection two years ago did not indicate the bridge was at risk of failing but added: "If an inspection report identifies deficiencies, the state is responsible for taking corrective actions."

Around the US, a handful of states, including Arizona, Michigan, New Jersey and New Mexico, ordered inspections of their own bridges.

President George W Bush has offered condolences and pledged assistance to help the area recover as the search continued beneath the twisted steel and concrete slabs.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.