Pedestrian bridge collapses over at Florida University; several reportedly dead

A newly-installed pedestrian bridge over a six-lane highway in Miami on a college campus collapsed Thursday, reportedly killing several people and sparking a frantic rescue operation, according to statements from police and university officials.

Officials say multiple people have been killed and eight people have been taken to the hospital.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Division Chief Paul Estopinan said at a Thursday afternoon news conference that there were "multiple victims" but the number hadn't been determined yet.

Estopinan says eight vehicles were trapped under the new pedestrian bridge at Florida International University in the Miami area.

Deputy Mayor Maurice Kemp says search dogs are working the scene.

The TV broadcasts also showed several people being loaded onto ambulances immediately after the collapse.

Miami police warned people to avoid the area.

The 950-ton section of bridge was installed Saturday. The bridge's main 174-foot span was previously assembled by the side of the road while support towers were built at either end.