Cold Case Files: "I SURVIVED: Shut That Door Again or You Don't Survive"

Release Date: January 4, 2025
Host: Paula Barros

Introduction

In this harrowing episode of Cold Case Files, host Paula Barros delves into two extraordinary survival stories that highlight human resilience in the face of unimaginable terror. Through firsthand accounts, listeners are taken to the scenes of the Virginia Tech shootings and the catastrophic bridge collapse in Minneapolis. The episode meticulously captures the chaos, fear, and bravery exhibited by the survivors, offering deep insights into their traumatic experiences and the long-lasting impact on their lives.

Part 1: The Virginia Tech Shootings

Setting the Scene

The episode opens in April 2007 at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. Ishwar, a professor at the university, narrates his day leading up to the tragedy. He describes arriving at work and being abruptly informed about a double homicide on campus—a scenario that is both shocking and unsettling for the academic community.

Ishwar (02:15): "It was quite startling because to have a homicide on a university campus is very unusual."

The Attack Unfolds

As the gunman, Seung Hee Cho, infiltrates Norris Hall, students like Derek and Colin find themselves in classrooms that become the epicenters of the carnage. Derek recounts the terrifying moment when Cho made eye contact with him, realizing the immediate threat.

Derek (01:55): "I was looking down the barrel of his gun and at that point we made eye contact. And that was probably one of the scariest moments of my life." [00:59]

Colin describes the sudden onset of gunfire, the swift loss of life, and the ensuing panic as Cho methodically targets individuals.

Colin (05:08): "The gunman was probably about 6ft away from me. He was still at the sort of entrance of the door and had a clear shot on pretty much everybody in the class." [05:52]

Survival Tactics and Immediate Aftermath

Both Derek and Colin detail their desperate attempts to survive. Derek managed to treat his own wounds and call 911, while Colin used his position to shield himself and others, despite being severely injured.

Derek (12:58): "I survived because of quick reactions, not only of myself, but because of my classmates and the professors on our floor." [28:34]

Ishwar reflects on the futility of barricading doors against such an assailant, emphasizing the randomness and brutality of the attack.

Ishwar (27:41): "It's very difficult for a group of individuals to overcome someone with automatic weapons who has planned clinically, who's brutal, who's lost rationality, who has no concern for his own safety."

Final Confrontation and Cho’s Demise

As police surround Norris Hall, Cho's realization of impending capture leads to his suicide, bringing an end to the massacre. Colin shares his emotional response upon hearing multiple victims being declared deceased.

Colin (25:38): "He could obviously hear the police coming in, trying to get into the building, which is when he believed that it was, you know, his run was over."

Reflections on Survival

Survivors like Colin and Derek discuss the profound psychological impact of the event. Colin emphasizes the daily reminders of the tragedy and the lingering questions of "why them and not me?"

Colin (26:50): "The thought of the event comes up just about every day. Something will spark the memory of it."

Derek expresses a renewed appreciation for life, highlighting how the incident reshaped his perspective on daily existence.

Derek (29:05): "I'm definitely more appreciative of life. Every day that I go on is another day that I have gone on and I've survived."

Part 2: The Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

A Day of Disaster

Transitioning to August 2007 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the episode shifts focus to Kim, a youth group bus driver, and her passengers—53 children and eight adults. As they navigate the bustling rush-hour traffic on the 35 West Bridge, unforeseen tragedy strikes.

Kim (30:03): "The left as we were coming across the bridge and stuff. The kids were, you know, doing the honking gesture for the semi truck and he was honking at us and stuff and he was waving to us and stuff."

The Collapse

Without warning, the bridge begins to sway violently before the central section collapses into the Mississippi River, sending the bus plummeting 45 feet alongside a speeding semi truck. Jimmy, a youth counselor, describes the moment of impact as a "free fall" that felt terrifyingly surreal.

Jimmy (32:15): "I remember hearing someone scream, the bridge is. The bridge is falling. It was a lot like a roller coaster."

Kim remains composed despite severe injuries, focusing on securing the bus to prevent further disaster. Her daughter, Ariana, shares her fear and confusion as they grapple with the sudden chaos.

Ariana (32:42): "I kind of got scared because I didn't know what was happening. I thought we were going in the water, we were gonna die."

Bravery in the Face of Chaos

As the bus lands precariously on the collapsed bridge, Kim's resourcefulness becomes evident. Despite crushed vertebrae, she manages to stabilize the vehicle, ensuring the safety of the children onboard.

Kim (36:33): "I knew if I were to not make it through it, it would have been okay."

Jimmy plays a pivotal role in assisting with the evacuation, demonstrating remarkable courage and leadership amidst the turmoil.

Jimmy (35:39): "Jeremy, one of the other youth workers, got up and opened the back door, and we started getting all the kids out."

Aftermath and Emotional Toll

The survivors recount the immediate aftermath, including the destruction of the semi truck and the emotional distress experienced during rescue operations. Ariana expresses relief and gratitude upon witnessing rescue efforts, while Jimmy reflects on the random nature of survival.

Ariana (39:27): "I was so thankful that she wasn't dead."

Jimmy grapples with the label of "luck" as he processes his survival, emphasizing the sheer improbability of escaping such a disaster unscathed.

Jimmy (40:30): "I survived because of chance. I survived because Kim was able to keep the bus where she kept it."

Long-Term Impact and Recovery

Kim continues her recovery from back injuries, crediting the bus's structural integrity for preventing more severe injuries among the children.

Kim (41:16): "The bus through this accident held up extremely well. The damage on the bus was mainly in the front. All the seats stayed intact. All the kids weren't hurt. They're extremely safe."

Ariana reflects on the importance of family unity and gratitude for surviving the ordeal together.

Ariana (41:35): "So now I have everybody in my family still here now and me and my little brother here and so is my mom. So I'm pretty happy that all of us survived."

Conclusion

"I SURVIVED: Shut That Door Again or You Don't Survive" poignantly underscores the fragility of life and the extraordinary strength individuals can summon in moments of crisis. Through detailed survivor narratives, the episode not only honors their courage but also serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit. Paula Barros masterfully weaves these stories, providing listeners with a comprehensive and empathetic exploration of survival amidst chaos.

Notable Quotes:

• Derek (00:59): "I was looking down the barrel of his gun and at that point we made eye contact. And that was probably one of the scariest moments of my life."

• Colin (05:52): "The gunman was probably about 6ft away from me. He was still at the sort of entrance of the door and had a clear shot on pretty much everybody in the class."

• Jimmy (35:39): "Jeremy, one of the other youth workers, got up and opened the back door, and we started getting all the kids out."

• Kim (36:33): "I knew if I were to not make it through it, it would have been okay."

• Derek (29:05): "I'm definitely more appreciative of life. Every day that I go on is another day that I have gone on and I've survived."

This detailed recounting not only preserves the memories of those who endured these tragedies but also serves as a crucial narrative in understanding and preventing future occurrences of such devastating events.