UPDATE: Thanks to our friends at Twitchy, there are some people who think this horrific bridge collapse is Trump’s fault—and that he should be impeached for it
Brand new unopened Pedestrian Bridge collapses in Miami. The era of Trump is turning America into a corrupt 3rd World country. Florida needs to be run by Democrats, the Republicans just make up their own versions of reality. #TheResistance pic.twitter.com/Cd0V0800cE
— james johnson (@jimmyhawk9) March 15, 2018
Horrible tragedy in Florida. Bridge collapse. I don't know what regulations were followed or not followed. Way to early to say what happened here.
— Carol Baker (@Carol_Baker73) March 15, 2018
I can say that Trump has gone out of his way to loosen building regulations. He has openly bragged about it.
Trump gets rid of regulations on building things and a bridge collapsed thanks Trump Impeach him now
— Roger bomkamp (@bomkamp_roger) March 15, 2018
UPDATE II: The number of fatalities has increased to six.
***
Six people people are reported dead after a 950-ton pedestrian bridge at Florida International University collapsed in Miami. (via CBS Miami):
Florida International University’s (FIU) massive new pedestrian bridge collapsed Thursday afternoon killing several people.
The 950-ton bridge, located at 109th Ave and 8th Street, collapsed on a number of cars.
Florida Highway Patrol confirms several people are dead due to the collapse. They also said several cars have been crushed.
At least one person was taken as a trauma alert to the hospital, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
#FIUalert: The pedestrian bridge across Southwest Eighth Street has collapsed, please avoid the area.
— FIU (@FIU) March 15, 2018
Police telling me there are “mass casualties” after bridge at FIU collapses to the ground. @MiamiHerald
— Monique O. Madan (@MoniqueOMadan) March 15, 2018
In a statement, FIU said,“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.”
Gov. Rick Scott has been in contact with Miami-Dade County Police Chief Juan Perez. He is also en route to FIU to be briefed by law enforcement and university officials.
I’m on my way to Florida International University to be briefed by local law enforcement and university officials. pic.twitter.com/4RyoeELh9m
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) March 15, 2018
Terrible news coming from Miami as a pedestrian bridge has collapsed at @FIU and multiple deaths are reported. We will pray for the victims and the entire Panther community.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) March 15, 2018
I have spoken with Miami-Dade County Police Chief Juan Perez about the pedestrian bridge collapse at FIU. I will be in constant communication with law enforcement throughout the day.
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) March 15, 2018
FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg had praised the completion of the bridge in a now-deleted tweet on March 13 saying, “FIU is about building bridges and student safety. This project accomplishes our mission beautifully.” Structural monitoring was conducted on March 12.
Huh. Wonder why this Tweet just disappeared a minute ago. @wupton pic.twitter.com/8zH8omceGp
— Gabriel S. Sanchez (@OpusPublicum) March 15, 2018
Wow. pic.twitter.com/M6ErMHJSxh
— William J. Upton (@wupton) March 15, 2018
#BREAKING: The FIU pedestrian bridge recently put in place has collapsed on SW 8th St pic.twitter.com/BZfQu2c5bh
— Joel Franco (@OfficialJoelF) March 15, 2018
We’ll keep you updated.