(CNN) -- A year ago Thursday, I-Report was born. 

CNN.com launched its I-Report initiative August 2, 2006, in an effort to involve citizens in the newsgathering process. 

Numerous milestones later, I-Report has grown and developed its ability to be an integral component of the network's coverage. 

Mark Lacroix photographed the collapsed bridge from his apartment window. 

On the eve of its anniversary, I-Reporters responded to yet another major news event: the deadly collapse of a bridge over the Mississippi river in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Mark Lacroix sent photos of the scene immediately after the disaster. As the story developed, he provided information about the situation to viewers live on television. 

Lacroix's photos were among the more than 450 I-Report submissions sent to CNN within the first 24 hours of the bridge's collapse -- the biggest response in one day to a single news event in I-Report history. 

CNN.com readers have long been submitting photos and video, as well as speaking with CNN reporters, during major breaking news events. (Check out our timeline of I-Report milestones) » 

On April 16, Jamal Albarghouti sent cell phone video of the Virginia Tech shooting in Blacksburg, Virginia, as the dramatic events were unfolding. 

More recently, when fireballs began exploding from an industrial gas facility in Dallas, Texas, in July, I-Reporters wasted no time in recording video as smoke and debris rose into the air. 

Justin Randall was in a convertible during the incident and tried to drive around blast debris on a highway. He sent video of the explosions, showing flames rising high into the air. 
What is I-Report meant for?
When was it created?
Was that a month ago?
How long ago was it?
Who took photo's?
Of what?
Did he view it from work?
Where from then?
Did he send them to anyone?
Whom?
Did he wait a long time to do that?
When did he send them?
Who created I-Report?
What happened in April?
Did anyone share information when that happened?
Who shared the information?
Where was there a large fire?
What happened?
When did this occur?
Did anyone capture footage?
involve citizens in the newsgathering process
an effort to involve citizens in the newsgathering process
August 2, 2006
CNN.com launched its I-Report initiative August 2, 2006
No
A year ago Thursday, I-Report was born.
A year ago
A year ago Thursday, I-Report was born. 
Mark Lacroix
Mark Lacroix photographed the collapsed bridge from his apartment window.
the collapse of a bridge
the deadly collapse of a bridge over the Mississippi river in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Mark Lacroix sent photos of the scene immediately after the disaster. 
No
Mark Lacroix photographed the collapsed bridge from his apartment window. 
From his apartment window
Mark Lacroix photographed the collapsed bridge from his apartment window. 
Yes
Mark Lacroix sent photos of the scene immediately after the disaster.
to CNN
Lacroix's photos were among the more than 450 I-Report submissions sent to CNN
No
Mark Lacroix sent photos of the scene immediately after the disaster
immediately
Mark Lacroix sent photos of the scene immediately
CNN.com
CNN.com launched its I-Report initiative
the Virginia Tech shooting in Blacksburg, Virginia
On April 16, Jamal Albarghouti sent cell phone video of the Virginia Tech shooting in Blacksburg, Virginia, as the dramatic events were unfolding. 
Yes
Jamal Albarghouti sent cell phone video of the Virginia Tech shooting in Blacksburg, Virginia, as the dramatic events were unfolding. 
Jamal Albarghouti
Jamal Albarghouti sent cell phone video of the Virginia Tech shooting
Dallas, Texas
ireballs began exploding from an industrial gas facility in Dallas, Texas
fireballs began exploding from an industrial gas facility
fireballs began exploding from an industrial gas facility in Dallas, Texas
in July
an industrial gas facility in Dallas, Texas, in July
Yes
Justin Randall was in a convertible during the incident and tried to drive around blast debris on a highway. He sent video of the explosions, showing flames rising high into the air. 