Local emergency workers help at crash site however they can

Photo caption: Emergency personnel on Wednesday deliver an injured person from the Interstate 35W bridge collapse to the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Photo by Pioneer Press / Ben Gavin / Twincities.com

Fargo-Moorhead emergency responders sprung into action Wednesday after the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed in rush-hour traffic in Minneapolis.

Fargo Salvation Army Capt. Adam Moore was in Minneapolis on business and was just south of the bridge when it collapsed.

“I was at Washington Avenue and I-35,” he said when reached via phone Wednesday. Suddenly “I looked up and saw a huge cloud of smoke.”

Moore went to the scene and offered help to victims and

rescue crews.

A nearby American Red Cross CPR class also joined Moore at the scene to offer help, he said.

Moore and other Salvation Army officials gathered at a command post along West River Parkway west of the interstate, where they could offer assistance as rescue operations began.

“We have been offering emotional and spiritual care” to those who may need it, he said.

Moore said Salvation Army crews also helped supply food and water to rescue crews needing relief during shift switches.

“We expect to be out here for several more hours,” he said at 9:30 p.m.

Moore also said some Salvation Army officials could be dispatched to Minneapolis if needed.

“We have a team of at least three people on standby that are able to be deployed,” he said.

Moorhead Fire Chief Joel Hewitt headed to Minneapolis on Wednesday night.

Hewitt is a member of the All-Hazard Incident Management Team, which includes officials across the state in fire and rescue response.

Other Moorhead firefighters and rescue workers were on alert and ready to respond if needed, said Michael Redlinger, acting Moorhead city manager.

“If we’re requested, we will assist in any way possible,” Redlinger said.

Readers can reach Forum reporters Benny Polacca at (701) 241-5504 and

Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590.