News: Death toll rises, many still missing in Surfside condominium collapse

SURFSIDE, FL – Officials said four people are confirmed dead and 159 remain unaccounted for following the partial collapse of a condominium in Surfside early Thursday morning, according to WPLG.

This is an update to a previous story.

At a news conference Friday morning, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava added that 120 people have been accounted for.  Search and rescue teams worked through the night to look for survivors in the wreckage of Champlain Towers South, the 12-story residential condo with 136 units at 8777 Collins Avenue north of Miami Beach.

“We will continue search and rescue because we still have hope that we will find people alive,” the mayor said.  The victims had not yet been identified as of Friday morning.

The collapse occurred at about 2 a.m. Thursday, affecting 55 of the building’s units.  At least 35 people were pulled from the rubble and a total of 102 have been declared safe.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the collapse but said there was no evidence that would point to foul play.

President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida, and authorized FEMA to assist in the response to the disaster.

A reunification center has been established near the scene of the collapse, where family members were awaiting any word on the fate of their loved ones in the building.

When your loved one has died as result of any negligence of another person, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. If you have suffered a tragic loss of this kind, do not hesitate to contact the Miami wrongful death lawyers at the Hickey Law Firm. We will review your case free of charge and advise a course of action to help ensure your family is justly compensated for your financial loss and suffering. Call us at 888-913-4296, text 844-984-1937, or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.