Steve Loopstra, executive director of the Minneapolis-based Prayer Transformation Ministries (formerly Midwest Concerts of Prayer) said that shortly after 6:00 pm Wednesday the 35W freeway bridge over the Mississippi River (near downtown Minneapolis during rush hour) collapsed completely into the river.

"Although details are yet to come in, we are asking you to pray earnestly for this immediate need in our city," Loopstra said in an e-mail to prayer warriors in the Upper Midwest.

Loopstra asked believers in the area to pray for fire and rescue to be able to reach those in need.

He said: "Pray for the injured as they await rescue; to pray for protection for those involved in trying to rescue people in difficult circumstances, including debris and heat; to pray for the families of those who have been caught in this collapse; and to pray for the Lord's peace for those involved, especially the injured people needing medical attention."

Loopstra added: "This is an appeal for you to pass this prayer alert to all you know that would pray for this immediate situation. Let's serve our community as intercessors before the Throne of God on their behalf."

Bob Rieth, who heads up the national organization Media Fellowship International, said: "We here at the MFI National office are watching the news with heavy hearts and many prayers. We pray for the people who were on the bridge tonight, the families and friends who are affected by this tragedy and the people who watched it happen and will have those pictures ingrained in their memories. We pray that you will experience the Lord's comforting provision."

He asked: "Let us know, please, if there are specific people or instances that we can be praying about for you. If there is someone who would like to talk about this, or to have someone to pray with, we invite you to contact us."

Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries in the twin Ciites, writes: "I am responding to many of you who are writing about the disaster here in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.

"A major bridge on our primary freeway, 35W, collapsed at 6:10 PM, the height of rush hour. Casualties will be extensive. Please pray for many who are trapped and many who are seriously injured. We do not know the total casualties and/or deaths. This is actually in the heart of the Twin Cities, not a suburban area.

"This is one of the most heavily-trafficked bridges and freeways in the Twin Cities. Right now it looks like a combination of a war zone and an earthquake disaster.

"There is only speculation on a cause as the bridge was under construction. It had heavy equipment on it on top of hundreds of cars as it was rush hour. Additionally, we have had an entire month of excessive heat including today, at which time concrete can buckle.

"Stay in prayer for the victims as many are yet trapped under the bridge and in automobiles hard to reach. This is a reminder how quickly life can be snuffed out and how important it is that we have a relationship with Jesus as our Savior and Lord."

MFI may be contacted at phone number: 425-488-3965 or by e-mail at: mfi@usa.net

PTM may be contaced at: Prayer Transformation Ministries
701 Fourth Ave. S. Suite 750 Minneapolis. MN 55415
Phone: 612-288-2206
email: ptm@prayertransformation.com  
web: www.prayertransformation.com  

Olive Tree Ministies may be reached at: Olive Tree Ministries, Box 1452, Maple Grove, MN 55311. Website: www.olivetreeviews.org

** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Lake Forest, California. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in September, 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. His weblog appears at: http://www.mirelandone.blogspot.com.