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Florida university bridge collapses 'leaving people trapped' Florida university bridge collapses leaving 'several fatalities'
(35 minutes later)
Authorities confirmed the collapse of a pedestrian bridge at Florida International University resulting in several fatalities, local media report. A newly installed pedestrian bridge has collapsed at Florida International University and police say there are several fatalities.
Images of the buckled structure at the college in Miami were shared across social media on Thursday afternoon.Images of the buckled structure at the college in Miami were shared across social media on Thursday afternoon.
The 950-ton span only went up on Saturday, CBS Miami reports.The 950-ton span only went up on Saturday, CBS Miami reports.
The Miami Herald reported that an unknown number of people were trapped underneath the bridge, which was built over a motorway. Local media report that an unknown number of people were trapped underneath the bridge, which was built over a motorway.
The Florida Highway Patrol said several people were killed and five to six vehicles were crushed, local media report. Florida Highway Patrol Lt Alejandro Camacho told CBS News there were several fatalities and five to six vehicles crushed.
Aerial footage shows first responders trying to get under the bridge to trapped cars.Aerial footage shows first responders trying to get under the bridge to trapped cars.
The university issued a statement saying rescue efforts were still underway.The university issued a statement saying rescue efforts were still underway.
Miami-Dade County Emergency Management confirmed the collapse and urged locals to avoid the area. "We are shocked and saddened about the tragic events unfolding at the FIU-Sweetwater pedestrian bridge," said a university spokesperson.
It is unclear how many people have been injured on or beneath the bridge, but images from a local reporter show cars trapped beneath the fallen structure. "At this time we are still involved in rescue efforts and gathering information."
The Florida governor, Rick Scott, responded to the accident on Twitter: "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." Miami-Dade County Emergency Management urged commuters to avoid the area.
A witness of the collapse told ABC News that the screams coming from the cars were "terrifying". A witness told ABC News that the screams coming from the cars were "terrifying".
"As soon as I looked outside, I saw dust flying everywhere," Tiona Page said. "I knew the bridge had collapsed.""As soon as I looked outside, I saw dust flying everywhere," Tiona Page said. "I knew the bridge had collapsed."
The Miami Herald said the bridge, which connected the college to a student housing area, had long been requested by people at the university so they could avoid the traffic below. Florida Governor Rick Scott responded to the accident on Twitter: "I have spoken with Miami-Dade County Police Chief Juan Perez about the pedestrian bridge collapse at FIU.
In August 2017, a student was hit and killed by cars while crossing the busy street. "I will be in constant communication with law enforcement throughout the day."
The university had touted the new swinging bridge on Twitter just days ago. The Miami Herald said the bridge, which connected the college to a student housing area, had long been requested by students and staff at the university so they could avoid the traffic below.
In August 2017, a student was hit and killed by cars while crossing the busy road.
Munilla Construction company (MCM), a family-owned contractor that helped build the bridge, tweeted "thoughts and prayers" for those affected by the tragedy.
"We will conduct a full investigation to determine exactly what went wrong and will cooperate with investigators on scene in every way," the firm tweeted.
The university had touted the new swinging span on Twitter just days ago.
The 174ft (53m) cable-supported footbridge was to be publicly opened in 2019, local media say.The 174ft (53m) cable-supported footbridge was to be publicly opened in 2019, local media say.
Costing $14.2m (£12.5m), it was funded by the US Department of Transportation.Costing $14.2m (£12.5m), it was funded by the US Department of Transportation.
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