Warning: This Article Contains Images Some Readers May Find Distressing
A shocking video has emerged showing the devastating aftermath of the collapsed bridge in Miami.
Six people were crushed to death yesterday, March 15, after a new bridge collapsed on top of vehicles waiting at traffic lights. A further nine people have reportedly been taken to Kendall Regional Medical Center’s trauma unit.
The bridge had been built in order to connect the Florida International University campus with a Miami suburb. Students had requested its construction in order to avoid the busy traffic.
Florida International University officials have since confirmed a student was killed during the incident.
It had been believed the bridge would last for a century, with the strength to withstand hurricanes. The 174 foot long structure was part of a project which cost nearly $20 million.
An ‘accelerated’ means of construction was intended to cut risks to both workers and pedestrians while minimising traffic disruption. A student died while crossing the busy road back in August 2017.
The university released the following statement in response to the tragedy:
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 remains of the bridge are still said to be unstable, posing further danger.
Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department, Juan Perez, made the following statement at a press conference:
This is a tragedy we don’t want to re-occur anywhere in the U.S.
Right now we just want to find out what occurred, what caused this collapse to occur and people to die.
A video of the aftermath was shared by Investigative Reporter Lorena Inclán, who commented:
Heartbreaking images. Friend just sent me this video from Miami. You could hear someone saying ‘the bridge fell on us.’
According to the The Independent, National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt III has advised how a specialist team are now launching an investigation into how this incident could have occurred.
Munilla Construction Management, who built the collapsed bridge, have offered the following statement on Facebook:
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.
A stress test was conducted on the bridge prior to the collapse. However, it is still unknown whether or not the stress test was connected in any way with the bridge’s collapse.
Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this incident.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.