New $14M pedestrian bridge collapses on top of cars and people on Florida college campus just 5 days after it was installed, killing ‘up to 10 people’
‘Multiple deaths’ as 950-ton pedestrian bridge collapses on top of people, as well as vehicles stopped at a red light on Florida college campus
The bridge reportedly killed ‘multiple people’ and trapped cars on the campus of Florida International University in Miami just five days after it was installed
Emergency crews were seen rushing to the scene searching for survivors
By some accounts between six and 10 people were killed
The $14.2million structure which was installed Saturday morning, was built to provide pedestrian access from FIU’s main campus to an area that houses a number of student residences
FIU’s massive new pedestrian bridge killed at least one person and crushed several vehicles when it collapsed on stalled traffic, Thursday
At least five cars were trapped underneath the debris, police said
First responders rushing to the scene of the collapsed pedestrian bridge that has reportedly killed ‘multiple people’ and trapped cars on the campus of Florida International University in Miami
Emergency crews were seen rushing to the scene of the collapsed pedestrian bridge that has reportedly killed ‘multiple people’ and trapped cars on the campus of Florida International University in Miami on Thursday.
The five-day-old pedestrian bridge which was installed last Saturday morning, was built to provide pedestrian access from FIU’s main campus to an area that houses a number of student residences. The bridge which had not been opened to traffic, reportedly trapped cars on the campus of Florida International University in Miami when it fell on top of traffic on a busy road. The cars were reportedly stopped at a red light when the pedestrian bridge collapsed.
The bridge, which was installed last Saturday morning, was built to provide pedestrian access from FIU’s main campus to an area that houses a number of student residences, according to the Miami Herald.
Captured images show several cars that were crushed by the weight of the bridge and a sense of urgency as a number of emergency rescue workers rushed to the scene, crawling along the rubble in an attempt to spot survivors.
Local authorities have not released the exact number of casualties, though several reports citing police statements indicate that several people may have been killed.
While CBS Miami reports Florida Highway Patrol stating that several people are dead due to the collapse, with several cars crushed. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said at least one person was confirmed dead with six people hospitalized with injuries — including one person in cardiac arrest, and eight cars were trapped underneath the bridge.
Expanding the casualty figure, Sen Bill Nelson [D-Fla], said anywhere between 6 and 10 people are dead.
Emergency rescue personnel inspect the rubble in an attempt to spot survivors
An injured person is wheeled into an ambulance at the scene
Rescue workers search for trapped victims in the rubble
The 950-ton span, which was built over Tamiami Trail, considered a busy roadway, was not yet open to pedestrian traffic. The bridge the $14.2 million bridge, connecting plazas and walkways was built in order to accommodate students fearful of crossing the highway. It was all designed as part of a larger transportation initiative to create a safer corridor for students and local residents.
The 950-ton span, which was built over Tamiami Trail, was not yet open to pedestrians. Installed on Saturday, the five-day-old bridge is intended to provide pedestrian access from FIU’s main campus to an area of student residences
It was constructed using an innovative approach to bridge construction, a technique meant to reduce potential risks to workers, commuters, and pedestrians and prevented traffic tie-ups in the area.
Miami-Dade County Emergency Management confirmed the collapse and urged the public to avoid the area near SW 8th Street and 109th Avenue.
MCM, the company that constructed the bridge, has issued a condolence statement
As local authorities clear up the mess many are asking what went wrong.
MCM, the lead company in the construction of the bridge, has issued a statement: “Our family’s thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy. The new University City Bridge, which was under construction, experienced a catastrophic collapse causing injuries and loss of life. MCM is a family business and we are all devastated and doing everything we can to assist. We will conduct a full investigation to determine exactly what went wrong and will cooperate with investigators on scene in every way.”
FIGG Bridge Group who also helped construct the bridge, issued a statement saying: “We are stunned by today’s tragic collapse of a pedestrian bridge that was under construction over Southwest Eighth Street in Miami. Our deepest sympathies are with all those affected by this accident. We will fully cooperate with every appropriate authority in reviewing what happened and why. In our 40-year history, nothing like this has ever happened before. Our entire team mourns the loss of life and injuries associated with this devastating tragedy, and our prayers go out to all involved.”
The bridge went up on Saturday. It was then lowered into its final position that same day.
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