Mudslide Causes Evacuation, Road Closures In Mpls.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A mudslide in Minneapolis caused evacuations and road closures Thursday evening.

Deputy Chief Todd White from the Minneapolis Fire Department says the mudslide was first reported at about 7:15 p.m., and occurred on the West Bank of the University of Minnesota campus.

A chunk of a hill that was 100 yards in length fell into the Mississippi River due to unstable soil from heavy rains. Minneapolis Police say West River Road Parkway is covered in mud and trees.

Twenty workers were evacuated from an office space in the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. The space will be closed through the weekend.

West River Road Parkway will be closed through the weekend between South 4th Street and Franklin Avenue. Minneapolis Police say engineers do not believe there was any structural damage to the road.

Four vehicles were on the road when the mudslide happened, but all were able to pass. No one was injured.

Officials have not said when the cleanup will begin.

In:
• Mississippi River
• University of Minnesota