At least six dead after pedestrian bridge collapses on cars in Florida

First responders were looking for survivors after a pedestrian bridge collapsed in Miami on Thursday, a week after being installed.

Alvaro Zabaleta, a spokesman for the Miami-Dade Police Department, said at an early morning press conference Friday that six people had been declared dead in the incident.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Division Chief Paul Estopinan had told reporters earlier in the day that there were eight cars trapped under the bridge and eight people were transported to hospitals.

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it would begin investigating, sending a “multi-disciplinary team” of more than a dozen officials from a variety of backgrounds including civil engineers and crisis response experts to examine the scene.

The White House said President Trump was aware of the bridge collapse, and he tweeted that he was monitoring the “heartbreaking” situation.

“Our brave first responders are working feverishly to save lives. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and offer whatever support is needed to the local officials and community,” White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement.

The bridge connected the Florida International University (FIU) campus to the city of Sweetwater.

The $14.2 million bridge was recently erected using new, modular construction methods, and most of the bridge was put into place on Saturday. The bridge was built elsewhere and its installation was the first time a bridge this large was installed using that method, according to the local ABC affiliate.

“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,” a spokesperson for the university said. “We are working closely with authorities and first responders on the scene.”

THE FIU BRIDGE COLLAPSED OH MY GOD pic.twitter.com/JO7jfx5AoN

— Gabriela Collazo (@GabrielaRose12) March 15, 2018

In a statement, Figg Bridge Engineers said it was “stunned” by the collapse. 

“Our deepest sympathies are with all those affected by this accident. We will fully cooperate with every appropriate authority in reviewing what happened and why. In our 40-year history, nothing like this has ever happened before,” the company said.

Several Florida lawmakers, including Gov. Rick Scott (R), Sen. Marco Rubio (R) and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R), who represents most of Miami-Dade County, tweeted in response to the situation.

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.

— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) March 15, 2018

Terrible news coming from Miami as a pedestrian bridge has collapsed at @FIU and multiple deaths are reported. We will pray for the victims and the entire Panther community.

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) March 15, 2018

Shocked and distraught by the horrific SW 8 Street bridge collapse. Praying for the victims, and for our first responders who are searching for survivors.

— Mario Diaz-Balart (@MarioDB) March 15, 2018

– Mallory Shelbourne contributed 

Updated Friday at 7:34 a.m.