On 5-Year Anniversary, Bridge Collapse Remembered In Photos

Five years ago today, the Interstate 35W bridge came crashing down into the Mississippi River, snuffing out 13 lives and injuring 145 people. Tonight, a group of local artists are remembering the tragedy and trying to help the city move forward.

The City of Minneapolis and downtown's Mill City Museum are inviting the public to join a "public gathering to reflect on how that day transformed lives and our community" at 5:45 p.m. in the museum's Mill Ruins Courtyard, next to the Guthrie Theater.

The event, called "Bridge: A Gathering" will feature performances about the 2007 collapse by local theater groups and photographs by local artist Vance Gellert. Gellert's exhibition is the culmination of two years spent interviewing first responders, survivors, and others touched by the tragedy.

The Southwest Journal has collected memories of several first responders and civilians who helped rescue collapse victims.

This week, Patch has been of the event, and how it impacted you.