Metrodome workers breach another panel with shotgun

Minneapolis (AP)

Share

Metrodome roof
The Minneapolis Metrodome, home field of the Minnesota Vikings, collapsed after about seventeen inches of snow fell during a recent snow storm and still waits repair in Minneapolis, Minn., on Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. A team is due to arrive today from the New York-based company that made the Metrodome roof to make repairs.
AP Photo/Craig Lassig

Workers at the Metrodome have intentionally ruptured another panel in the building's damaged roof.

Pat Milan, a spokesman for the commission that runs the Dome, says a shotgun slug was fired into the panel because the weight of ice was creating a safety issue.

It's the fifth panel that has torn or been torn since a winter storm caused the roof to give way eight days ago.

Milan says engineers are watching some other panels that might need the same treatment to keep workers safe.

Milan says the commission hopes to know more about a timetable for repairing the roof by the time it meets Wednesday morning. The roof failure has forced the Vikings to play the Bears Monday night at TCF Bank Stadium.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Gallery

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Providing Support for MPR.
Learn More
Program ScheduleStation Directory