A 12-story apartment building near Miami, Florida, partially collapsed Thursday morning, prompting as many as 80 rescue crews to search for survivors from the abrupt incident that left one dead while 51 remain unaccounted for.
The building collapse occurred in the town of Surfside, north of Miami Beach, at around 1:30 a.m., Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue said. Firefighters pulled at least one boy from the rubble, according to photos online. Police have confirmed one fatality from the incident. Roughly 55 apartment units were destroyed, with 35 people rescued from the debris, officials said during a press conference.
While officials claim 51 complex residents are unaccounted for, the possibility remains that some people were not home at the time. The tower maintains a mix of seasonal and year-round residents but only keeps a record of when guests visit and does not record when residents are in or out of the building, according to Sally Heyman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners.
The collapse happened near 88th Street and Collins Avenue, the Miami Beach Police Department said, adding that “southbound traffic is being diverted west on 96 Street.”
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A family reunification center has been established for any victims of the incident who were displaced following the collapse. Ten people were treated for injuries near the scene, and two were rushed to medical facilities.
“Multiple police and fire agencies from across Miami-Dade [County] are assisting,” the law enforcement said.
The apartment building, called Champlain Towers, was reportedly built in 1981 and had more than 130 units inside.
A Miami-based freelance journalist, who captured the incident, posted a photo and claimed it showed roughly 12 people who were being rescued. He said the situation was “tough to document.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis thanked first responders and crews who rushed to the scene early on Thursday to aid those who were inside the building when part of it collapsed, according to an afternoon press conference statement.
“The TV doesn’t do it justice,” the governor said, referring to the scale of the destruction around the building. He added that firefighters are still in “search and rescue” mode.
The Miami-Dade Fire Department tweeted a request for all residents of the building to complete a wellness check form to ensure no missing individuals go unaccounted for.
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The Miami Beach Police Department did not immediately respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
