After the 35W Bridge Collapse: What Happens to Those Who Still Need Help?

On August 1, 2007 Minneapolis, Minnesota suffered one of the biggest tragedies it has ever seen. During the evening rush hour, 35W, which crosses the Mississippi River, the bridge collapsed, carrying along with it hundreds of cars and unsuspecting people. The media coverage began instantaneously and was shown all across the world. Images of a bridge crumpled beyond belief, cars hanging on a thread, and a lone school bus trapped were visions that many of us Minnesotans will never forget. We seen bloody children rushed into Hennepin County Medical Center, saw cars submerged in water and as time wore on, we also saw the faces of those missing. It was a traumatic day, one not too soon to be forgotten.

While support for the victims and the bridge poured in, according to the law, the money raised cannot go directly to people, just agencies that provide mental health services or other other direct services. For those involved in the collapse, replacement of vehicles or compensation for injuries is still pending.

One person, college student Aron Dahlgren, was on the bridge that fateful day. His 2000 GMC Sierra fell down, flipped over, and landed on top of another car. It was a complete loss. While he had coverage, it wasn't sufficient enough for full coverage. His insurance company refused to pay because it was a bridge collapse and not covered by his level of insurance. Nationwide feels that if they paid out in even this one circumstance, that it could affect other customer's insurance rates in the long run.

Recently Aron applied to a local newspaper for help. As a college student, he has no money that he can buy another vehicle with. He works two part time jobs and helps out his family in another city. For now, his parents are helping him out with a vehicle that at any day can break down. His real wish is to be able to get another pickup truck. He appealed to the Pioneer Press Watchdog for help.

The watchdog contacted Nationwide for help to no avail. They also tried to find out if any local car companies would be willing to donate any vehicle for Aron. This too, ran into a brick wall. No help, no money, no hope.

While Aron knows he is very lucky to survived with his life, he still feels the pinch of not having a vehicle of his own. Maybe there is a company out there that will help this man. A fund to raise money or to help him would be a nice start.

How would you help this man? If you can help, or have any ideas to help him, the Watchdog needs your help! You can reach them at watchdog@pioneerpress.com.

I for one will be sending a few dollars. While I don't have a truck parked out back that i can give him, i do feel it is my duty to help those in need.