MIAMI _ A pedestrian bridge that was under construction at Florida International University collapsed Thursday less than a week after crews dropped the elevated span in place over the Tamiami Trail in an effort to provide students a safe route across the busy roadway.
The bridge, scheduled to be completed in 2019, collapsed atop an unknown number of people and cars. Police quickly closed the road. It is not known how many people may have been injured in the collapse, which was clearly a major failure of a ongoing project not expected to be completed until early 2019.
South Florida's WSVN-TV reported that several people had been killed. Television news helicopters were ordered to back off so rescuers could listen for sounds from survivors.
At least eight people were transported to the trauma center at Kendall Regional Medical Center, according to a source close to the hospital. The condition of the patients is not yet known.
There was no immediate explanation for what might have triggered the collapse, which occurred shortly before 2 p.m. EDT.
FIU spokeswoman Maydel Santana-Bravo issued a statement, even as rescue crews were still working the scene.
"We are shocked and saddened about the tragic events unfolding at the FIU-Sweetwater Bridge," she said. "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. We will share updates as we have them."
FIU students are on spring break this week.
Touted as an "instant bridge," the 950-ton pedestrian walkway was installed in a single morning at Southwest 109th Avenue on Saturday, intended eventually to link FIU's Modesto A. Maidique Campus directly to the small suburban city of Sweetwater, where the university estimates 4,000 of its students live.
Before Saturday's installation, FIU said the method of overall installation would significantly reduce the risk to workers, walkers, drivers and minimize traffic disruptions for construction.
Designed as a cable-supported bridge, the pedestrian walkway is the product of a collaboration between MCM Construction and FIGG Bridge Design, the firm responsible for the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay.
MMC's website noted that a 175-foot section of the overall 320-foot long bridge was prefabricated next to Tamiami Trail and then moved into position.
