Posted on Fri Aug 03, 2007 at 11:31:35 AM EST in NBA
More on: Flip Saunders, bridge, collapse (all tags)

Detroit Pistons coach Flip Saunders revealed on Thursday that he was about 20 yards form the I-35W bridge that collapsed on Wednesday in Minneapolis. Amazingly, it was construction that saved his life as the entrance ramp to his normal route was closed, forcing the Minnesota native to take a detour.

I usually take the 35W bridge, but the ramp was closed," Saunders said Thursday from Minneapolis in a telephone interview with the AP. "My daughter was driving in a car right behind me when the bridge collapsed -- about 20 yards away from us. It sounded like a bomb when it dropped.

"I got out of my car, and the first thing I heard was the kids screaming on the bus. I called 911. I didn't really know what else I could do.

Saunders was driving to his home after making an appearance at Tubby Smith's basketball camp which was being held at his alma matter, the University of Minnesota.

A day later, I'm still in a surreal state of mind," he said. "I can still see what happened. It's kind of like having flashbacks.

Links:
[NewsObserver.com]: Saunders avoids bridge collapse

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