S. Florida Condominium Building Collapses: Search and Rescue Operations Continue

SURFSIDE, FL—Significant portions of the 136-unit Champlain Towers' center and east condominium buildings located at 8777 Collins Avenue in Surfside, FL, collapsed early Thursday morning reducing much of the buildings to rubble. At approximately 01:38 hours, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue received the first calls and moments later arrived to find the buildings collapsed.

In the early phases of the operation, as the building’s structural integrity remains in question. First responders rescued 35 victims from the structure and 2 victims, including a young boy, from the rubble. The number of fatalities remains unclear, but is believed to currently stand at three lives lost, but officials are concerned that count could rise as there are nearly 100 people who remain unaccounted for.

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) said in a press conference that emergency services personnel remain in search and rescue mode are “doing all they can to save lives.” Gov. DeSantis said short-term hotel stays have been organized to accommodate displaced residents. He called this a “tragic day” and remains hopeful rescuers will identify additional survivors amidst the collapse zone. Charles W. Burkett, mayor of Surfside, who arrived shortly after the collapse said "half that building is not there anymore.”

The incident has called upon multiple agencies at the state level where five state agencies are currently operating in support of the municipal and county authorities according to Kevin Guthrie from the Florida state office of emergency management.  Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County mentioned the diverse teams currently operating at the scene stating the search and rescue dogs from the county have been on scene since the early hours of the morning with rescuers saving "so many (victims)" from both the intact and collapsed buildings.

A hotline has been set up for anyone in need of information or who can provide information at 305-614-1819.

Images Courtesy Michael Strongin, EMT-P