New developments emerged Thursday, March 7, in the investigation into the collapse of the Surfside condo in Miami, Florida, that killed 98 people in June 2021. Engineers examining the event unveiled segments of video footage during a meeting, shedding light on the sequence of events leading up to the collapse.
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Investigators disclosed they are still unable to pinpoint the “initiating event” that triggered the collapse. However, they said that they are making progress toward understanding precisely what caused it.
A panel of engineers revealed discrepancies in the construction of the condo tower section. They noted that while the construction drawings were compliant when the building was constructed in the 1970s, the actual construction failed to meet building code requirements.
Structural issues were also found in the pool deck, columns and concrete strength.
Additionally, investigators interviewed several residents and survivors who reported hearing “knocking” and “hammering” sounds moments before the building crumbled.
Investigators also found inspections of the condo building over the years, crucial for ensuring structural integrity, were conducted by the engineer of record rather than governmental entities.
The investigation remains ongoing. The panel is aiming to submit a final report by fall 2025.