US bridge search called off

Authorities have called off the search for bodies following the Minneapolis bridge collapse.

Efforts will now focus on removing tons of wreckage from the Mississippi River so a replacement bridge can be built in the next year.

US president George Bush approved an emergency declaration yesterday, making the city of Minneapolis and Minnesota eligible for more assistance for recovery.

The president’s declaration also authorises the Federal Emergency Management Agency to co-ordinate disaster relief efforts, according to a statement issued by the White House.

Bush was due to be in Minneapolis later for a briefing on the bridge.

Governor Tim Pawlenty said he requested the help because the emergency response alone cost more than $8m (€5.8m).

On Monday divers discovered the body of the last known missing person, Gregory Jolstad – a 45-year-old construction worker who was part of the crew resurfacing the Interstate 35W bridge when it fell during the evening rush hour on August 1.

The discovery brought the official death toll to 13.