MINNEAPOLIS -- President Bush this morning visited the scene of Wednesday's fatal bridge collapse over the Mississippi River, speaking with local authorities and thanking emergency workers for their efforts.

In an address along the riverbank, where at least five people died and where divers continued to search for as many as eight missing motorists, the president hailed their work and promised that the federal government would help rebuild the bridge.

"It's going to take a while," he said. "But I have been impressed by not only their determination, but... by their compassion."

Among those the president met was a man who was on the eight-lane bridge when it collapsed during rush hour Wednesday evening and helped save a group of children who were aboard a school bus.

"We have an amazing country where people's first instinct is to help save lives," he said.

The president was joined by Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, whom he said would help state and local authorities rebuild this "main artery of life here."

"People count on this bridge, this highway system, to get to work," Mr. Bush said. "Our message to the Twin Cities is, we want to get this bridge rebuilt as quick as possible."

Also today, Minneapolis residents gathered on the other side of the river from where the president spoke for an impromptu memorial service for the dead and missing.

And at another spot near the river, Ronald Engebretsen, husband of one of those who died in the bridge collapse, made a statement on behalf of all the families who have been gathered at a hotel while awaiting word on their loved ones.

Mr. Engebretsen, who was joined by his two daughters, thanked emergency workers, government officials "and the nation as a whole'' for the support the families have received during the past three days.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

First Published: August 4, 2007, 5:15 p.m.