12-Story Florida Condo Tower Partially Collapses, 100 Unit Building, Massive Search And Rescue Underway

The Miami Herald reports:

A 12-story oceanfront condo tower partially collapsed early Thursday morning on Collins Avenue in the town of Surfside, spurring a massive search-and-rescue effort with dozens of rescue crews from across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Part of Champlain Towers South Condo, completed in 1981 with more than 100 units at 8777 Collins Ave., collapsed around 2 a.m. Miami Beach police confirmed the address of the building on Twitter. A portion of the building facing the beach crumbled, leaving a heap of rubble.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said the county’s Fire and Rescue Department was taking lead in rescue operations, with city and county first responders on the scene. She said “cause unknown” as to the partial collapse of the 12-story building.

Miami’s NBC News affiliate reports:



At least one person was killed and a massive search and rescue effort was underway following the partial collapse of a 12-story condominium building in Surfside early Thursday. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials said more than 80 units responded to the collapse at the condominium building near 88th Street and Collins Avenue just north of Miami Beach around 2 a.m.