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24th Jun 2021

At least one dead after twelve-story apartment building collapses in Miami

Kieran Galpin

Tragic building collapse results in numerous people injured, and one unfortunately dead

In Miami-Dade County, Florida, a twelve-story building has partially collapsed. One death has currently been reported.

Images released in the US have shown that part of the building has fully caved in, which was sadly resulted in the death of one person, with a further eight people injured. It is believed that others could still be trapped inside the apartment building.

The collapse is believed to have occurred at 02:00 (06:00 GMT). The BBC reports that fire and rescue services dispatched 80 vehicles to the scene, with police also assisting in the rescue effort.

Though the sad passing of one resident has been reported across US media, they have also shared an astonishing video of a young boy being rescued. The young boy is hoisted over the fireman’s shoulder before being lowered down from the rubble.

“They brought dogs who can sniff for survivors in the rubble,” said Surfside Commissioner Eliana Salzhauer to Miami Herald.

“They aren’t turning up very much. No one is celebrating anyone being pulled out.”

The cause of the collapse is still unknown, though Salzhauer has stated the building was starting its 40-year recertification, and the roof is being redone. Whether this has any correlation to the disaster is still unknown.

“As someone who has been in this business for years, it defies logic,” said a home insurance inspector who chose to remain anonymous, “It defies everything that we know.”

Thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the disaster.