Search ends for US bridge collapse victims

With the search for bodies over at the site of an interstate bridge collapse, US authorities will now focus on removing tons of wreckage from the Mississippi River.

Divers yesterday discovered the body of Gregory Jolstad, a 45-year-old construction worker who was part of the crew resurfacing the Interstate 35W bridge when it fell on August 1 during the evening rush hour.

The discovery brought the official death toll to 13.

“There aren’t a lot of smiles here tonight,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, who was overseeing the search.

He said recovery workers were relieved that all the people known to be missing had been found, but mindful of the loss to the families.

Stanek didn’t close the door on the possibility of more remains turning up amid the wreckage.

Also yesterday, Gov. Tim Pawlenty asked President George Bush to declare the collapse a major disaster, which would make the state eligible for more federal money.

Bush was scheduled to be in Minneapolis this evening and to receive a briefing on the bridge.