Search continues in partial building collapse

The death toll has risen to nine after a Florida condo partially collapsed early Thursday, and the likelihood of finding survivors after four days is slim. More than 150 people are still missing, including 31 people from six different Latin American countries. Search and rescue teams are trying to hear voices in the rubble, but Fire and Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah said devices haven’t registered any. Firefighters have rescued 35 survivors, and at least 11 were injured. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency late Thursday night, and President Joe Biden sent FEMA teams to aid search and relief efforts early Friday morning.

What caused this? Authorities say they won’t have a definite answer until an investigation is complete. Local engineers told The Washington Post continual saltwater exposure could have weakened the foundations. A city commissioner told WPLG the entire building was in the midst of a 40-year recertification, including extensive repairs to rust and concrete damage. Surveyors said none of the damage posed immediate threats.

Dig deeper: Read Kiley Crossland’s 2019 report on a collapsed apartment building in Russia.