Florida bridge constructed in 6 hours to provide safety for university students collapses, kills 4
A total of four persons have been confirmed dead after a pedestrian bridge at a Florida university collapsed Thursday afternoon.
First responders at the scene of the incident said at least eight cars were trapped under the rubble.
Cars were waiting for the lights to change when the bridge, which was installed in just six hours on Saturday, caved in with workers on it.
Rescue operators said ten people were rushed to the hospital, and at least two were in ‘extremely critical’ condition.
One of those who arrived in critical condition was suffering a cardiac arrest, but was revived by doctors, while the other has a serious brain injury.
Some workers were on the bridge when it collapsed, but officials did not detail whether any of them were among the dead.
Program director Dr. Mark McKenney confirmed victims’ ages ranged from 20 to 50 years old, while many of them suffered from traumatic injuries such as bruises, abrasions and broken bones.
The pedestrian bridge had been built after students of Florida International University complained about the risk they faced daily crossing the 7-lane Tamiami Trail.
The university said it wasn’t due to be open to foot traffic until early 2019.
Rescue operations and investigations into the cause of the incident are still ongoing.
