Miami Pedestrian bridge collapse: 4 people killed, eight cars underneath
In a tragic bridge collapse incident, at least four people have died. The bridge was installed only five days back and was not open to the public.
The pedestrian bridge weighed 950-ton bridge. It was located at Miami's Florida International University. The bridge collapsed on a busy highway.
While eight vehicles were trapped beneath the fallen concrete, nine victims were pulled from the debris. It isn't clear about the condition of the victims.
Following the accident, search-and-rescue teams rushed to hunt for survivors. Debris were drilled dogs and special microphones are used to rescue victims.
"The main focus is to rescue people," said Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez.
This tragedy took place because of rapid span installation in which the bridge was prefabricated, then swung into place before its central support tower was built.
The bridge was scheduled to open early next year. The irony of the whole incident is that the bridge was designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. This was a seven-lane was planned walkway connected the FIU campus to the town of Sweetwater where the university estimates some 4,000 students live.
First published: 16 March 2018, 13:18 IST