An as-yet undetermined number of people are dead after a new pedestrian bridge on the campus of Florida International University in Miami collapsed Thursday afternoon.
The 950-ton bridge was put in place only five days ago. Florida Highway Patrol is still working at the scene to confirm an exact number of casualties. FHP also said a minimum of five to six cars were crushed by the bridge.
Authorities are still working to determine the cause of the accident. CBS is reporting that just before the collapse, two workers were spotted replacing something on the side of the bridge. It’s not clear if that contributed to the collapse.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced it has already sent a team to Miami to investigate.
The $14.2 million project was funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The bridge, which crossed Southwest 8th Street near 109th Avenue, was not yet open to the public. Construction was expected to continue through 2019, allowing the bridge to link the campus to the city of Sweetwater.
In a post on Twitter this past Saturday celebrating the placement of the bridge, FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg was quoted as saying, “FIU is about building bridges and student safety. This project accomplishes our mission beautifully.”
A statement released by FIU following the accident says in part, “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.”
MCM, one of the bridge's builders, commented on the collapse on Twitter.
"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 the scene in every way.
The other builders, FIGG and Bolton Perez and Associates, had not commented by 4 p.m.
Gov. Rick Scott has canceled an event this evening and will make his way to the FIU campus to meet with law enforcement officials.
Classes at FIU were not in session; the school is currently on spring break.
Ryan Nicol, a freelance writer from Sunrise, wrote this story exclusively for Sunshine State News.
