Emergency personnel respond to people near a collapsed pedestrian bridge at Florida International University on Thursday, March 15, 2018, in the Miami area. (Source: AP)
A newly installed 950-ton pedestrian bridge collapsed on Thursday afternoon at Florida International University in the Miami area in US. The number of injured is yet to be ascertained as officials cited that several people lost their lives in this tragic incident. Florida Highway Patrol spokesman, Alejandro Camacho was quoted by Reuters as saying : “Several people were killed. I just don’t know how many.”
Videos shared across social media platforms show at least five to six vehicles trapped underneath it. The live television reports show the injured being loaded onto the ambulances.
Florida’s Governor, Rick Scott in a tweet said that he spoke with the Miami-Dade County Police Chief and will constantly monitor the situation. He also confirmed that he has left for the university and the local law enforcement along with the university officials will brief him about the incident.
I have spoken with Miami-Dade County Police Chief Juan Perez about the pedestrian bridge collapse at FIU. I will be in constant communication with law enforcement throughout the day.
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) March 15, 2018
I’m on my way to Florida International University to be briefed by local law enforcement and university officials. pic.twitter.com/4RyoeELh9m
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) March 15, 2018
A report in CNN stated that the bridge was installed on Saturday.
VIDEO: Several people killed as pedestrian bridge at @FIU in Miami collapses, crushing cars below. READ MORE: http://t.co/AkriRk9usL pic.twitter.com/ZDU71mIRoe
— AP South U.S. Region (@APSouthRegion) March 15, 2018