FLORIDA (Eagle News) – A month after the mass shootings in South Florida, another tragic event took place in the Sunshine State. A newly constructed pedestrian bridge collapsed at Florida International University (FIU) in the middle of the afternoon causing injuries and killing at least six people.
FIU released a statement that the street portion on 8th street would be temporarily closed for installment of the pedestrian bridge from Friday night, March 9, to early Monday morning, March 12. The bridge collapse happened on Thursday, March 15, as a majority of FYI students and faculty were away on Spring Break.
The pedestrian bridge, connecting the Modesto Maidque campus to the other side of 8th street where off-campus residents are located, was intended to create a safer way for students to cross a highly congested street.
When the bridge collapsed, nearby civilians rushed out of their cars to help those who have been trapped under the bridge. The staff of the nearby FIU Nursing and Medical school rushed in to help.
FIU students and faculty that were on campus were alarmed from the commotion of the loud sirens and the cranes of the construction site, as police and paramedics moved into the area.
“There only seemed to be crushed cars,” said Genevieve Ardilla, a student at FIU, about her reaction as she arrived on the scene. Later, rescuers would find people trapped inside those cars.
Main entrances of FIU were closed after the bridge collapse causing delays and frustrations for students trying to leave the campus for the spring break.
“Well all of 8th Street is closed and I bike home, so yeah it was definitely a physical hindrance,” said Tiffany Leesang, a student trying to get home.
With this tragedy, distraught civilians are unsure who to blame.
“FIU is my alma mater and did an amazing job during last years hurricane by providing services to the community,” said Barbara Mosquera, a FIU faculty member. “I think that the university will take the steps necessary to make sure the rescue effort is handled efficiently and that the school will comply with any investigations that take place.”
Following the incident, Mark Rosenberg, President of FIU, released a statement.
“We send our deepest condolences to the victims and their families,” said Rosenberg. “We are working with the appropriate agencies to assist in rescue efforts. As soon as we have further information, we will share it with you.”
Investigations are still underway to find out the cause of the collapse.
(Eagle News Service, Renee Suarez, EBC Florida Bureau)
