Up to 10 dead in bridge collapse
UP TO 10 people were feared dead last night after a new pedestrian bridge across a seven-lane motorway collapsed, crushing drivers.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 2pm local time in a bid to save motorists trapped under the wreckage of the 950-ton bridge which linked two parts of Florida International University’s campus near Miami.
Florida Highway Patrol reported at least eight cars trapped underneath the debris yesterday.
It is believed that the drivers had stopped at a red light.
The overhead pedestrian walkway, designed to increase the safety of the university’s 55,000 students crossing the busy Tamiami Trail was lifted into place on Saturday and was not yet open to the public.
Scary
Isabella Carrasco, who narrowly escaped being trapped under the wreckage, said: “My boyfriend and I had just driven under the bridge.
“We actually commented on how new it was.
“We had heard a loud bang. At first, we thought we had hit something and when we looked around, we realised the bridge had collapsed. As we looked round, we saw that it was much, much worse.”
Another witness Damany Reed said: “We thought something fell but then we saw the bridge collapse and it was just surreal at that moment. It was very scary.”
University spokeswoman Maydel Santana-Bravo said: “We are shocked and saddened about the tragic events unfolding at the FIUSweetwater 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.”
Touted as an “instant bridge”, the 174-foot cable-supported walkway was installed in a morning by lifting huge prefabricated sections into place. Before the £10.2 million US government-funded bridge was put up, the university said the method would greatly reduce the risk to workers, walkers and drivers and minimise traffic disruption.
There was no immediate explanation for what might have triggered the collapse. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said President Donald Trump was aware of the tragedy.
“Our brave first responders are working feverishly to save lives,” she added.