US: Pedestrian bridge collapses at Florida college

By Ovunc Kutlu

NEW YORK (AA) – A newly installed pedestrian bridge connecting Florida International University (FIU) with the nearby city of Sweetwater collapsed Thursday, with several feared dead.

The $11.4 million 950-ton bridge, which stretched across a highway in Miami, was installed Saturday using an innovative method called accelerated bridge construction in which it was built to the side and later raised by a rig, swung over the highway and dropped into place. The method is aimed at reducing risks to workers, commuters and pedestrians and preventing traffic issues.

Although it was not on campus property, the bridge was frequently used by pedestrians from FIU, which has close to 60,000 students with more than 90 percent living off campus.

At least one person is confirmed dead, six people were taken to the hospital with injuries, including in cardiac arrest, and eight cars were trapped underneath the bridge, according to Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez

"We are shocked and saddened about the tragic events unfolding at the FIU-Sweetwater pedestrian bridge," FIU said on Twitter, adding it is involved in rescue efforts and working closely with authorities and first responders.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said President Donald Trump was informed about the situation.

FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg called the bridge "first-of-its-kind" on Twitter on Saturday, adding "FIU is about building bridges and student safety".