News: Search continues in Surfside condo collapse as death toll rises to 16

SURFSIDE, FL – Officials said four more bodies were found Tuesday night in the wreckage of the collapsed condominium in Surfside, bringing the confirmed death toll to 16.

This is an update to a previous story.

According to NBC Miami, 147 people remained unaccounted for as the search for survivors entered its seventh day. At a morning news conference, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced the discovery of additional victims. “Please join me in continuing to pray for those who’ve lost their lives in this unthinkable tragedy, and all of their families who are grieving, and all of those who are still waiting and waiting and waiting for news,” she said.

Teams of rescue crews were working non-stop using heavy equipment to look for any signs of life at the site of Champlain Towers South on Collins Avenue.

Authorities in Florida asked the federal government for an additional rescue team to help comb through the rubble in the search-and-rescue efforts.  No survivors have been found since the first hours after the building came down last Thursday.

In another development, prosecutors in Florida said they would ask a grand jury to look into the factors that led to the collapse.  State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said her office would pursue the investigation.

If you believe that a loved one has died due to another person’s negligent or improper actions, contact the experienced Miami wrongful death lawyers at the Hickey Law Firm.  We will fight on your behalf for the justice and compensation you are entitled to following your tragic loss. To review the details of your case and explore your legal options, call us at 888-913-4296, text 844-984-1937, or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation.