159 Still Unaccounted for After Champlain South Tower Partial Building Collapse
Around 1:30 a.m. on June 24, 2021, a high-rise condo building in Surfside, Florida partially collapsed. The devastating accident affected 55 of the building’s 136 residential units. As of the morning of June 25, four fatalities were reported and 159 people were still unaccounted for.
A hotline has been set up through the Miami-Dade County and Fire Rescue to reunify loved ones: 305-614-1819. The Surfside Community Center on 9301 Collins Avenue is also helping to reunite families and friends.
The Ferraro Law Firm sends our best wishes and prayers to all of those who have been affected by the Champlain South Tower building collapse.
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Family Members “Pray for a Miracle” After Champlain Towers Building Collapse
The building that collapsed in South Florida was the south tower of the Champlain Towers on Collins Avenue in Surfside.
When the building partially collapsed in the early morning hours of June 24, some witnesses recalled the ground shaking and seeing a large cloud of dust barrelling towards them. Many compared the disaster to 9/11.
JUST IN: Video I’ve obtained of the building collapse in Surfside, Florida. pic.twitter.com/BGbRC7iSI9
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) June 24, 2021
Soon after the building’s south tower crumbled, cries of help emanated from the rubble. Thirty-five people were rescued from balconies and other parts of the collapsed structure. One young boy was found alive buried under the rubble.
Sadly, more than 150 people were still unaccounted for on the morning of June 25. Their loved ones wait anxiously for any news.
Luz Marina Pena, who was searching for her 77-year-old aunt who lives on the fourth floor, told the Washington Post, “I’m praying for a miracle.”
What Caused the Champlain Towers South Condo to Collapse?
It is still unclear what caused the condo building to collapse. While residents noted that construction work on the roof had been ongoing throughout the last month, it is unknown if the repairs played any role in the building’s collapse.
When asked about the building collapse, Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett told NBC, “It’s hard to imagine how this could happen. Buildings just don’t fall down.”
Mayor Burkett also pointed out that the building was not particularly old: It was constructed during the 1980s.
While relatively rare, when buildings do collapse often construction errors, weak foundations, or poor quality building materials are to blame. When this happens, sometimes the construction companies and contractors, condo associations, or property owners may be held liable.
Were You or a Loved One a Victim of the Chaplain Towers Building Collapse?
Building collapses can result in catastrophic injuries, devastating property damage, and tragic deaths. If another party’s negligence resulted in the Chaplain Towers building collapse, victims may be entitled to compensation for their losses. This may include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, loss of support, and more.
The cause of the building collapse has yet to be determined. But our law firm has access to a team of investigators who can identify possible negligence and gather evidence to support victims in their pursuit of justice. We have won cases against some of the largest corporations in the country, and have recovered billions of dollars for injured clients to date. Contact us now to schedule your free legal consultation.
Building Collapse FAQs
Can a condo association be sued for a building collapse?
If a building collapses and causes injuries and property damage, who is responsible?
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Why did the Champlain Towers collapse?
What are my rights if I have been injured in a building collapse/structural failure?
Can I file a lawsuit if I lost a family member in a building collapse?
Am I eligible for compensation if my home was damaged in a building collapse?