Bridge collapse survivor talks about helping kids to safety

Grants | Legacy Digitization | Special Collections | 35W Bridge Collapse |
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When President George W. Bush toured the collapsed bridge site on Saturday there was a young man at his side for much of the tour. His name is Gary Babineau, a 24-year-old construction worker from Blaine. He was heading north on 35W, driving home from a jobsite in Lakeville Wednesday night when the bridge deck plunged toward the Mississippi River, and took his truck with it. You may have pictures of that truck, it's been shown by many TV cameras, a bright blue Chevy pickup, sitting close to a school bus. When the drop ended, Babineau jumped out of that truck and headed for safety. Then he heard the cries of children in the school bus. That's when he snapped into action, and helped the kids get to safety.

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Digitization made possible by the State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, approved by voters in 2008.

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