Miami condo collapse: Four more bodies recovered at building site, raising death toll to 16
The search for survivors of Champlain Towers’ collapse has entered its seventh day
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The bodies of four more victims have been found in the wreckage of Champlain Towers South, Miami-Dade fire officials announced.
This brings the known death toll of the building’s collapse to 16, with 149 people still missing.
The search for survivors is now in its seventh day. Authorities said the four new bodies were recovered from the rubble overnight, along with other human remains.
Rescue officials say they have managed to build an important new tool for their search: a ramp that will bring cranes and other construction vehicles to the top of the rubble pile, which they were unable to access before.
“Now you are able to leverage massive equipment to remove mass pieces of concrete that could lead to those incredible good news events,” State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis told WSVN.
Miami building collapse - updates: Death toll reaches 12 as extra rescue team requested amid tropical forecast
Experts don’t believe shock test of new aircraft carrier off Florida coast led to collapse of Miami condo
‘I should have been there’: Survivors of Miami building collapse tell of narrow escapes and survivor’s guilt
Elderly couple married for 58 years found by each other’s side in Miami condo collapse
Building official who allegedly said Miami condo building was ‘in very good shape’ has been put on leave
Meanwhile, one of the dead has been identified as Hilda Noriega, the 92-year-old mother of North Bay Village police chief Carlos Noriega. The Noriega family announced her death in a statement.
“The Noriegas have lost the ‘heart and soul’ and ‘matriarch’ of their family, but will get through this time by embracing the unconditional love Hilda was known for,” the family said. “The family has asked for privacy as they deal with this horrific and painful loss.”
Ms Noriega had lived on the sixth floor of the building, which suddenly collapsed at about 1.30am on 24 June. Her family had held out hope that she somehow survived, especially after they found a photograph and birthday card of hers in the building’s debris.
“There was a message in the mess of all this,” her grandson, Mike Noriega, said on Monday after he and his father found the mementos. “It means not to give up hope. To have faith.”
He described his grandmother as independent and energetic – “the youngest 92-year-old I know... 92 going on 62.”
Even as hope fades for some families, officials say the rescue effort will continue.
“Nobody is stopping,” Mr Patronis said.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments