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Multiple Deaths, Others Injured After Pedestrian Bridge Collapses Near Florida International University In Miami

A newly-installed pedestrian bridge in Miami collapsed near Florida International University on Thursday afternoon, where several people died instantly and others were injured, Highway Patrol officials told local NBC News affiliate WTVJ.

According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department officials, eight cars were trapped under the bridge. Eight people who were also injured in the accident have been transferred to the hospital, with ‘a lot of serious injuries,’ Miami-Dade police officials said.

The Police immediately called doctors and nurses on the scene:

CBS Miami reports, that the bridge, located on 109th Avenue, just went up on Saturday, weighed 950 tons. The pedestrian bridge was supposed to be finished in early 2019.

The bridge provided pedestrians a pathway from FIU’s main campus to an off-campus area where thousands of students live, Miami Herald reports.

A few footages emerged from the scene on social media:

Just a few days before the newly-installed pedestrian bridge collapsed, FIU reportedly published footage of its construction. ‘First-of-its-kind pedestrian bridge ‘swings’ into place. FIU is about building bridges and student safety’:

The construction was built using Accelerated Bridge Construction methods, which reduce ‘potential risks to workers, commuters, and pedestrians and minimizes traffic interruptions,’ the FIU press release told.

‘FIU is about building bridges and student safety. This project accomplishes our mission beautifully. We are filled with pride and satisfaction at seeing this engineering feat come to life and connect our campus to the surrounding community where thousands of our students live.’ FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg said in the release.

Florida International University released a statement, in which they are saying:

‘We are shocked and saddened by 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.’

The Munilla Corporation, which designed and built the pedestrian bridge, released a statement saying that they would investigate what happened:

https://twitter.com/WeAreMCM/status/974362954828255232

May joyful memories of those lost bring comfort to those they have left behind. May the injured make full recoveries. Thankfully this bridge was not yet open for use as there would, most likely, be significantly more injured and dead.

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