Major Bridge in Minnesota Designed By Same Company That Built Pedestrian Bridge That Collapsed in Florida

According to a report by KARE 11, the same company that designed the pedestrian bridge that collapsed in Florida Thursday also designed the new Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis after it collapsed over 10 years ago.

The engineering company involved with both bridges is FIGG Bridge Group. The company had just recently completed the pedestrian bridge in Florida, which collapsed Thursday. The collapse killed several people and injured many more as rescue efforts are still underway to try and find survivors.

The FIGG Bridge Group said in a statement that they are stunned by the collapse which is under investigation. The cables on the bridge were being tightened when it collapsed.

In 2007, the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed sending cars tumbling into the Mississippi river below killing 13 people and injuring 145. FIGG was chosen to design the replacement bridge which is being used today. The FIGG group also designed the Wabasha Freedom Bridge in St. Paul.