Perspective: At least six dead in Florida university bridge collapse – BBC News

We note with dismay the crash of recently finished foot bridge in Florida at (FIU), Florida International University. We regret the deaths and wonder what could have gone so wrong?

Dormitory Community

This bridge was to link the university to a dormitory community named Sweetwater after a female student was killed crossing the busy 6 lane highway. A number of students attending FIU live in Sweetwater.

Innovation

“The bridge was installed using what was hailed as an innovative construction method “accelerated bridge construction or instant bridge”  The cost is US$14. 2 million, it was part of a “prosperity” initiative led by the university. Infrastructure was one of Trumps priorities.”

Collapsed

The bridge fell on top of cars and people trapped under large concrete blocks, traffic has been rerouted as between 5 to 8 vehicles were crushed. The injured are said to be hurt badly.

We sympathize with the deaths and injured. Bridges like this are designed to withstand up to a category five hurricane.  This one which just collapsed was to last 100 years, we are told.

We hope a thorough investigation will unearth the truth why this bridge crashed below.  Will anyone be held criminally liable?

We have to wait and see. What is your perspective? This is ours.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.