Hero Jeremy Hernandez saves 50+ children on I-35 bridge

The recovery process is still underway as live coverage on CNN continues, with anchors on-site interviewing many people involved or looking for loved ones in the tragic Minnesota bridge collapse. A SUV sits in the Mississippi River on a collapsed section of the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 2, 2007. REUTERS/Joshua Lott

A SUV sits in the Mississippi River on a collapsed section of the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 2, 2007. REUTERS/Joshua LottThursday sees the local and federal authorities recovering bodies lodged in the wreckage of a Minneapolis bridge, but the process is slow, and officials have not released an official list of the names of the missing yet.In the midst of the tragedy a hero's story has emerged, one of many from that moment. A witness told CNN that 20 year old Jeremy Hernandez, a gym staff member accompanying a bus full of kids on a summer field trip, saved 50+ children by his quick actions and refusal to leave any kids on the bus until they were cleared out and safe. Hernandez and the kids were travelling on the bus together for a summer field trip traversing the interstate I-35 bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the fateful evening rush hour on Wednesday. "We were on our way back from the swimming field trip," said Ryan Watkins, one of the youths on the bus to CNN."We were riding over the bridge and the bridge collapsed, and we were right on the part where it went down -- where it curved down," he said, describing the collapse of the I-35 bridge near University Avenue.CNN earlier reported that Watkins "was one of 52 children and nine adults who survived the accident, according to Tony Wagner, president of the local nonprofit social services group (funded by the Pillsbury Corporation) that organized the trip." Hernandez was interviewed live today on CNN, and told reporters through tears: "You could hear kids like, moaning and crying...they started screaming when we were going into the river... I jumped and opened the back of the door... all the kids were lining up, ...then I was handing kids over ...(Hernandez was overcome with emotion).Hernandez composed himself, and continued: "They were all screaming "we're gonna die.." They didn't want to let go of me, until they saw their parents.."The quick thinking gym coordinator continued: "I'm just glad to have been there to help them..."When asked by reporters what he was thinking, Hernandez said top most in his mind was the thought, "I don't want to die...I didn't want to go into the river."The reporters asked him to remember the events yesterday after the bus was stopped by the collapse. According to Hernandez, unknown people rushed up to him to help take the kids from his arms, and all he could remember was picking them up and handing them over, "they're like my brothers and my little sisters, they're part of me..."Reporters then asked if Hernandez felt lucky, "Lucky that I am alive, and the kids weren't seriously injured.." an emotional Hernandez replied.Timing was cited by Hernandez, and luck too as he realized they could have easily wound up in the river, yet he stayed put on the bus, as it was teetering on the edge of a possible fall and submersion in the river, until all the kids were off and safe.Hernandez said was seated in the 2nd seat from back, third seat on the right of the bus. The bus was lodged to the guard rail, and Hernandez kicked out the door to initiate the rescue.When asked what it felt like, Hernandez replied: "I felt like we were on a roller coaster ride.." Describing how his heart was high up in his throat from the fear.Hernandez told the assembled reporters he couldn't sleep last night, as grateful parents calling him to thank him for his efforts saving their children. More than 50 children were saved by Hernandez.

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C. HernandezAug 4th, 2007 - 18:38:02

You did great!! For all those Americans who think Hispanics are undesirables you showed them that we are underneath all human and care for all our brothers and sisters. I'm proud of you and glad you are safe.

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Barbara F. AllenAug 5th, 2007 - 01:23:40

What a wonderfully courageous young man! I hope that only good comes to him and his family. He must have wonderful, caring parents, to raise such a heroic young man.

I don't have much money, but I hope someone wealthy will give up a tiny bit of their wealth and see that Jeremy gets a chance at college - or if he's not interested, then the mechanic school he had to quit because he could not afford the tuition. I am sending a small check to:
Jeremy Hernandez, Waite House, Phillips, Minnesota. I hope other people will send money too. This is a terrific young man, and he should be rewarded in ways that will allow him to be successful in life.

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olivia saved by jeremyAug 5th, 2007 - 01:25:59

i was on the bus and jeremy you are awsome you are a true hero see you at the wait house

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jwrightAug 5th, 2007 - 04:09:02

blessings to you, jeremy, for taking such quick action to save all aboard the bus. you are truly a hero. god's peace be with you always.

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AmAzEd By YuU!Aug 5th, 2007 - 11:09:24

simply amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!You touched lots of people's lives even before you saved them. 5 years working with these kids!!!! simply wonderful!
have a great life and good karma will cum around when u need it most!

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FeAug 6th, 2007 - 06:23:36

Thanks for being there, Jeremy. Blessings and light to you and yours.

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Linda Keener - MassachusettsAug 6th, 2007 - 14:25:06

Jeremy thanks to you 50 little ones will grow to adulthood and should another tragedy occur I bet you have influenced so many with you're brave heroism that many more will help to save as many as possible. Thank you for being the true hero you are.

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Brooks from FLAug 6th, 2007 - 18:43:45

Dunwoody Collage says they want Jeremy Hernandez back as a student, and are offering to help pay his tuition if he wishes to return.Since full links are not allowed, here is a partial link to the story (just add normal header and 'html' at the end.

wcco.com/topstories/local_story_215155053.

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T'ara WilliamsAug 6th, 2007 - 22:42:54

i am soooooooooo proud of you!!

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Chris HardingAug 7th, 2007 - 22:46:22

Jeremy,
Come the Daytona beach area and i will take you deep sea fishing anytime, be proud

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JFeb 2nd, 2008 - 00:09:31

dannng thats crazyy. i dont know you but ur a real hero mann!!!! quick thinkin

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caren maineSep 23rd, 2008 - 16:31:59

than you so much for saving my little girl i love you