Company behind fallen Florida bridge also co-designed Zakim

BOSTON -- A newly installed pedestrian bridge collapsed at Florida International University in the Miami area Thursday afternoon, killing several people.

Boston 25 News has confirmed through a company representative that FIGG Bridge Group co-designed the bridge.

FIGG also co-designed the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge in Boston.

Boston 25 News reached out to MassDOT for a statement:

"We have a robust inspection program for the Zakim Bridge and are fully confident in the safety of the Zakim Bridge and all Commonwealth of Massachusetts bridges, as we follow federal standards for regular inspections.

While the cause of the Miami pedestrian bridge collapse is unknown, the design of this pedestrian bridge is not similar to the design of the Zakim Bridge and is unique to the project site characteristics at its location in Miami."

- Patrick Marvin, MassDOT

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Six people were killed in the collapse and nine people were taken to the hospital.

Rescue workers used chainsaws to cut into vehicles under the bridge. At least ten people were hospitalized -- some of whom are in critical condition.

FIGG Engineering released a statement Thursday afternoon:

"We are stunned by today's tragic collapse of a pedestrian bridge that was under construction over Southwest Eighth Street in Miami. Our deepest sympathies are with all those affected by this accident. We will fully cooperate with every appropriate authority in reviewing what happened and why. In our 40-year history, nothing like this has ever happened before. Our team mourns the loss of life and injuries associated with this devastating tragedy, and our prayers go out to all involved."

Munilla Construction (MCM), one of the designers of the bridge commented on the collapse:

"Our family's thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy. The new UniversityCity Bridge, which was under construction, experienced a catastrophic collapse causing injuries and loss of life.

MCM is a family business and we are all devastated and doing everything we can to assist. We will conduct a full investigation to determine exactly what went wrong and will cooperate with investigators on scene in every way."

Rescue operations are underway and authorities are continuing to search for survivors.

The 950-ton section of bridge was installed Saturday. The bridge's main 174-foot span was previously assembled by the side of the road while support towers were built at either end.

MORE: Pedestrian bridge collapses in Miami; several trapped: reports

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