Miami bridge collapse: Desperate effort underway to save victims trapped in rubble

Officials say five to six cars are trapped underneath

Emergency response teams are searching for victims buried in the rubble after a pedestrian bridge near Florida International University (FIU) in Miami collapsed, killing at least four people.

Footage from the chaotic scene showed cars crushed underneath the 950-ton bridge, as first responders dug through the wreckage for survivors. Eight vehicles were trapped when the bridge – still under construction – collapsed on top of them, according to Florida Highway Patrol officials.

Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Dave Downey said four people had been killed and nine had been taken to the hospital. Kendall Regional Medical Centre told NBC they were treating 10 victims of the collapse: Two in critical condition and eight with minor injuries ranging from bruises to broken bones.

It was also unclear what had triggered the collapse of the bridge, which had only been erected on Saturday and was set to open in 2019.

Ciqué Philips, a student transferring to the school, was on the fourth floor of a nearby parking garage when the collapse happened.

“The sound was thundering," he told The Independent. "Like an extremely loud boom.”

Emergency response teams brought in dogs to help sniff out survivors, and asked television helicopters to keep clear of the area so they could hear cries for help.

"We're working our way into the pile trying to create holes that we can actually physically see," Miami-Dade Fire Department Division Chief Paul Estopian told reporters.

The university said in a statement that it was "shocked and saddened about the tragic events unfolding on campus".

"At this time we are still involved in rescue efforts and gathering information," the statement said. "We are working closely with authorities and first responders on the scene."

More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene, according to Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez. The police department will take over the homicide investigation after the search and rescue mission concludes.

Florida Governor Rick Scott tweeted that he had spoken with Miami-Dade County Police Chief Juan Perez about the collapse, and would be in constant communication with law enforcement throughout the day.

Florida Senator Bill Nelson told Fox News he had heard that anywhere from six to 10 people had died. Marco Rubio, a second Senator from Florida, called the news "terrible" and said he would pray for the victims

President Donald Trump was also briefed on the situation, according to White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

"Continuing to monitor the heartbreaking bridge collapse at FIU - so tragic," the president tweeted that evening. "Many brave First Responders rushed in to save lives. Thank you for your courage. Praying this evening for all who are affected."

The National Transportation Safety Board said it would send a team of 15 people to investigate the collapse.

The bridge crossed Southwest 8th Street near 109th Avenue, and was in high demand from students living the neighbouring suburban city of Sweetwater. It was intended to give Sweetwater residents safe passage over the busy street separating them from campus.

The bridge was constructed using innovative new technology, which was thought to lower the risk to workers and pedestrians. The entire 174-ft walkway was installed in one fell swoop on Saturday, when a special crane picked it up, moved it, and lowered it into place. A number of community members came out to watch the installation.

The entire project cost approximately $14.2m, according to a fact sheet on FIU's website, and was funded by a grant from the US Department of Transportation.