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Last week, a Miami pedestrian bridge collapsed in Miami, shocking everybody in the state of Florida and beyond. Many people were surprised by the news, as the 950-ton bridge was just recently installed, which led to unexpected results when the bridge came toppling down. Emergency responders scrambled to help clean up the scene and rescue anybody who was still trapped under. Unfortunately, despite all efforts to do so, we found out that the day of the accident that 4 people had lost their lives in the accident as they were crushed by the weight of the bridge.
On the day of the accident, many people driving through the area were surprised to pass on through while they noticed that the bridge was no longer standing. Those who didn’t lose their lives were climbing from the rubble of the aftermath, lucky to have survived the brutal accident so they could return home to their families. The bridge, a pedestrian bridge, had the duty to keep students and others walking through safe from harm, and many were left stricken with the news that this did not occur. This great tragedy will be remembered for years to come, giving us a better look at Accelerated Bridge Construction, a practice that aims to reduce risks for workers and pedestrians, and what we can do to better our bridges.
A Devastating Update on the Bridge Accident
In our last update on the bridge accident, we were under the impression that 4 people had lost their lives. Unfortunately, since search and rescue missions had resumed, 6 people are now among the lives lost in the bridge accident. Classes resumed today at Florida International University, and as students return to school we want to update you on those who have lost their lives and send our sincerest condolences to the families of the victims.
Among those lost were Alexa Duran (18), Brandon Brownfield (39), Rolando Fraga Hernandez, Oswald Gonzalez (57), Alberto Arias (53), and Navarro Brown. Since then, 8 other victims who survived the accident were pulled from the rubble and are being treated for their injuries. Brandon Brownfield’s wife, Chelsea Brownfield, posted on social media, “I keep trying to find the words to share with you – our friends and family – but nothing feels right.” Brownfield was a father to three young children.
There is still an ongoing investigation into why the bridge collapsed, taking so many lives. Joe Smitha blames the bridge collapse on complete incompetence by builders. Two days before the accident took place, an engineer from FIGG Bridge Group, who designed the walkway, left a voicemail saying that there were cracks in the structure. It is possible that this has something to do with the catastrophic event.
We want to extend a helping hand to you if you have lost a loved one or have been injured a bridge collapse accident. There are many reasons why bridge collapses occur every year in the U.S., from those who fail to check safety and maintenance to accidents where there was negligent design. At Rubenstein Law, we want to help you gain compensation you deserve when you have been injured or lost a loved one. Call us in your time of need to discuss your next steps at 1-800-FL-LEGAL.
Sources:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/03/17/miami-bridge-collapse-flattened-vehicles-pulled-rubble-dead-inside-victims-idd/435118002/
https://www.rubensteinlaw.com/
1-800-FL-LEGAL
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