MIAMI, FL – At least 159 people remain unaccounted for in the Miami condominium collapse Thursday morning, including Benny and Malki Weiss, of Lakewood.
On Thursday at 1:30 a.m., Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the initial report of a building collapse at Champlain Towers, a 12-story, 136-unit apartment complex located at 8777 Collins Avenue. MDFR crews found that the northeast corridor of the building had sustained a partial collapse. Approximately 55 apartment units were impacted by the collapse. MDFR began search & rescue efforts. Firefighters rescued 35 occupants from inside the building. Out of the 35, 10 occupants were treated for injuries and two were transported to local area hospitals.
Since the initial response, four people have been pronounced deceased and many more are expected as 159 people remain missing. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is mounting a non-stop search and rescue operation along with other agencies.
A family reunification center has been set up for anyone looking for unaccounted or missing relatives from the Champlain Towers at the Surfside Recreational Center located at 9301 Collins Avenue. If you have family members that are unaccounted for, please call 305-614-1819.
