A new pedestrian bridge located in Miami at Florida International University collapsed on Thursday, trapping what appear to be several cars underneath in what local authorities are calling a “mass casualty” incident.
One person has been confirmed dead, while CNN is reporting there are “multiple fatalities.” Footage of the aftermath immediately flooded social media. The bridge collapsed shortly before 2pm ET, according to the Miami Herald. The pedestrian walkway was due to be completed and opened next year.
#BREAKING: New FIU pedestrian bridge collapses. @nbc6 for more details. pic.twitter.com/aEfjfhH01D
— Lianna Saldaña (@liannasaldana) March 15, 2018
According to the Herald, FIU has been touting the efficient construction of the bridge. A video of the project was posted in 2015 by Munilla Construction Management.
According to CNN, the bridge was installed on Saturday and cost $14.2 million to build, funded via a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In a statement, FIU officials said they were “shocked and saddened” at the news of the collapse.
STATEMENT: Florida International University "shocked and saddened" by bridge collapse; rescue efforts ongoing. pic.twitter.com/o1sH52ndph
— Josh Caplan (@joshdcaplan) March 15, 2018
This story is developing.