Massive New Pedestrian Bridge Collapses On Cars In Florida

MIAMI (CBSMiami) — Florida International University's massive new pedestrian bridge collapsed Thursday afternoon in West Miami-Dade, killing at least one person.

The 950-ton bridge, located at 109th Ave and 8th Street, came crumbling down onto a number of cars.

Miami-Dade Police Chief Juan Perez said 8 people have been taken to the hospital and eight vehicles are stuck under the bridge and the number of dead is undetermined.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue say they continue to search for "viable victims," meaning they believe someone could be still alive under the rubble.

An official told CBS4 Miami's Jim DeFede, "At this point, we can't even tell how many cars are under there. We won't have a count on bodies for a while. It's bad. It's really bad."

"There were no warning signs. It looks like it just came down," the official told DeFede.

Senator Bill Nelson says the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is "launching and leading an investigation into the bridge collapse."

The bridge went up on Saturday. It was then lowered into its final position, just west of 109th Avenue that day.

The main span was built next to Southwest 8th Street.

The bridge was constructed using an innovative approach to bridge construction – a technique meant to reduce potential risks to workers, commuters and pedestrians and prevented traffic tie-ups in the area.

The positioning of the bridge Saturday was the largest pedestrian bridge move via Self-Propelled Modular Transportation, in U.S. history.

Funding for the $14.2 million bridge, connecting plazas and walkways is part of a $19.4 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Other funding agencies include the Federal Highway Administration, Florida Department of Transportation Local Agency Program, FIU and the City of Sweetwater.

FIU issued a statement to about the deadly incident, saying,

"We are shocked and saddened about the tragic events unfolding at the FIU-Sweetwater pedestrian bridge. At this time we are still involved in the 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." 

Florida Governor Rick Scot says he's spoken with Miami-Dade Police Chief Juan Perez and will stay in contact with law enforcement through the day.

This story is developing. Check back for the latest information.