MIAMI — A pedestrian bridge being built across an eight-lane highway collapsed at a Miami-area college Thursday, crushing eight vehicles under massive slabs and killing multiple people, authorities said.
Search and rescue missions were underway. Eight people were taken to hospitals. The exact number of fatalities was not immediately known.
“The main focus is to rescue people.” said Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez. “As soon as those efforts are over, our homicide bureau will take the lead.”
The 950-ton, 174-foot span was assembled by the side of the highway and moved into place Saturday to great fanfare. The $14.2-million bridge connected Florida International University and the city of Sweetwater. It was expected to open to foot traffic next year.
“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,” the school said in a statement.
The National Transportation Safety Board sent investigators to the scene. Gov. Rick Scott said he was headed there, as well.
“We have a national tragedy on our hands,” Sweetwater Mayor Orlando Lopez said.
