Ok, finally it makes sense... except that I overheated the pump due to low fuel... so the pump relay is set to blow the fuse under these circumstances?

I admit I'm dumb for running low on fuel... especially while crossing a bridge ;0> but what a dumb design.

Its not really a dumb design- if you continue to try and start the engine the fuel pump will run, your fuel pump is cooled by fuel. If there is no fuel left, the tank is full of vapors and your fuel pump begins to overheat(do you see where this is going?) The pump draws too many amps and pops the fuse before anything bad happens. Lesson learned here-dont run out of fuel.

Nothing wrong with the design, how else would you lubricate the pump. Thats why ya have a fuel gauge, low fuel light and low fuel message in the dic to tell you when to re-fuel. Always better to re-fuel early rather than try to make that next service station. Just my 2c.