SALVATION ARMY REMAINS ON THE SCENE OF MINNEAPOLIS BRIDGE TRAGEDY

Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel continue to bring physical, emotional and spiritual aid to hundreds of survivors and relief workers after the 1-35W bridge collapsed yesterday in Minneapolis, Minn., during rush hour.

Three Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) and 15 volunteers were on the scene of the tragedy within moments of the deadly accident. The canteens remained throughout the night and The Salvation Army is dedicated to providing aid as long as necessary.

One canteen is stationed on the north side of the Mississippi River at 2nd St SE and 8th Ave. A second is on the south side at 1201 West River Rd. The third canteen was stationed at the recovery area of 354 East River Parkway. The Salvation Army is providing food and water, donated by Cub Foods, for relief workers and survivors. In addition, Salvation Army officers (pastors) and volunteers trained in Critical Incident Stress Management are offering emotional and spiritual care. So far The Salvation Army has served 475 people.

Captain Adam Moore, who oversees The Salvation Army’s work in Fargo, N.D., witnessed the collapse. He was about a half mile south of the bridge on Washington Ave., ready to head north on I-35W.

“This is why The Salvation Army exists,” said Moore. “We help people make sense of tragedy and help them put the pieces back together.”