A newly constructed, 950-ton pedestrian bridge collapsed on Thursday, killing several people in Miami, Florida. According to NBC News, the bridge, which was just installed last weekend at Florida International University (FIU), crashed down onto the busy roadway beneath, crushing at least eight cars.
On Thursday afternoon, FIU issued a brief statement about the tragic situation:
“Dear members of the university community,
We are shocked and saddened about the tragic events unfolding at the FIU-Sweetwater pedestrian bridge. At this time we are still involved in rescue efforts and gathering information. We are working closely with authorities and first responders on the scene. We will share updates as we have them.”
The Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed that the collapse resulted in “multiple casualties,” though the exact number is not yet know. At least eight injured people have been transported to area hospitals for care.
Numerous agencies are at the scene, working to get through the rubble to reach whoever may be trapped beneath the crumbled structure. As reported by USA Today, rescue teams are still in “urgent search-and-rescue mode.”
The pedestrian bridge was intended to help students safely cross the busy roadway – though it was not yet open to pedestrian foot traffic, Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue has reported that there were people on the bridge at the time that it went down.
(Image screenshot via ABC Action News)
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Sounds like the “construction” wasn’t up to par. Prayers for all the victims!
oh my gosh! Prayers
Bummer
This street should have been closed while this bridge was being constructed. In trying to be efficient people were killed.