Surfside condominium collapse
{{Short description|2021 building collapse near Miami, Florida, US}}
{{Redirect|Miami building collapse|other incidents of building collapses in or near Miami|List of building and structure collapses}}
{{Pp-move|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox event
| date = {{Start date and age|2021|6|24}}
| time = Approximately 1:22 a.m. EDT (UTC−4)
| location = {{Indented_plainlist|
- 8777 Collins Avenue
- Surfside, Florida 33154
}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|25|52|23|N|80|07|15|W|region:US-FL_type:event|display=inline,title}}
| deaths = 98
| image = Surfside condominium collapse photo from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue 1.jpg
| reported property damage = $1 billion{{Cite news |last=Scism |first=Laura Kusisto and Leslie |date=July 29, 2021 |title=Surfside Condo Collapse Lawsuits Mount, With Just $50 Million for Payouts |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/surfside-condo-collapse-lawsuits-are-a-fight-over-just-50-million-11627561747 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801230310/https://www.wsj.com/articles/surfside-condo-collapse-lawsuits-are-a-fight-over-just-50-million-11627561747 |archive-date=August 1, 2021 |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}
| image_upright =
| caption = View of Champlain Towers South site, the morning of the collapse
| map = {{Infobox mapframe|marker=building|marker-color=#000|zoom=13|coord={{coord|25|52|23|N|80|07|15|W}}}}
| cause = See {{section link|Surfside condominium collapse|Possible causes|nopage=y}}
| blank_data = {{Infobox building
| height = {{Cvt|139.5|feet}}
| floor_count = 12 (plus rooftop penthouse)
| elevator_count = 2
| start_date = 1980
| completion_date = 1981
| demolished_date = July 4, 2021 (uncollapsed portion)
| material = Reinforced concrete
| architecture_firm = William M. Friedman & Associates Architects Inc.
| embed = yes
| main_contractor = Nattel Construction, Inc.{{Cite web |title=Emporis – Nattel Construction, Inc. |url=https://www.emporis.com/companies/303664/nattel-construction-inc-miami-beach-fl-usa |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702014221/https://www.emporis.com/companies/303664/nattel-construction-inc-miami-beach-fl-usa |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021}}
| structural_engineer = Breiterman Jurado & Associates
| mapframe=no}}
| litigation = Judge approves $1.02B settlement for victims of Surfside condo collapse
}}
On June 24, 2021, at approximately 1:22 a.m. EDT, Champlain Towers South, a 12-story beachfront condominium in the Miami suburb of Surfside, Florida, United States, partially collapsed, causing the deaths of 98 people.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-28 |title=Remembering those who died in the Champlain Towers condo collapse in Surfside, Florida |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/in-depth/news/2021/06/28/surfside-miami-florida-building-collapse-victims-who-died-obituaries/5365626001/ |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=www.palmbeachpost.com |language=en-us}} Four people were rescued from the rubble, but one of them died of injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.{{Cite web |last=Musgrave |first=Jane |date=9 July 2021 |title=Teen boy was sitting beside his mom when Surfside building collapsed; family sues |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/2021/07/09/teenage-boy-sitting-beside-his-mom-when-building-fell-down/7917198002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727153450/https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/2021/07/09/teenage-boy-sitting-beside-his-mom-when-building-fell-down/7917198002/ |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=The Palm Beach Post |language=en-US}} Eleven others were injured.{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Residents Rescued After Surfside Condo Building Partial Collapse: 'We Heard A Really Big Rumble' |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/residents-rescued-surfside-condo-building-partially-collapsed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624104413/https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/06/24/residents-rescued-surfside-condo-building-partially-collapsed/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=July 4, 2021 |publisher=CBS Miami}} Approximately 35 were rescued the same day from the un-collapsed portion of the building, which was demolished ten days later.
A contributing factor under investigation is long-term degradation of reinforced concrete structural support in the basement-level parking garage under the pool deck, due to water penetration and corrosion of the reinforcing steel. The problems had been reported in 2018 and noted as "much worse" in April 2021. A $15 million program of remedial works had been approved before the collapse, but the main structural work had not started. Other possible factors include land subsidence, insufficient reinforcing steel, and corruption during construction.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Ann |date=July 7, 2021 |title=Corruption In North Miami Beach Could Be Factor In Surfside Building Collapse: 7 Things To Know |url=https://moguldom.com/362247/corruption-in-north-miami-beach-could-be-factor-in-surfside-building-collapse-7-things-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716000212/https://moguldom.com/362247/corruption-in-north-miami-beach-could-be-factor-in-surfside-building-collapse-7-things-to-know/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=Moguldom |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Grimm |first=Fred |date=July 2, 2021 |title=Surfside condo built in era tainted by corruption {{!}} Fred Grimm |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/commentary/fl-op-com-grimm-south-florida-building-inspectors-corruption-20210702-6u6kamfs4vcefatc6iqbidns6y-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714183615/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/commentary/fl-op-com-grimm-south-florida-building-inspectors-corruption-20210702-6u6kamfs4vcefatc6iqbidns6y-story.html |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=South Florida Sun Sentinel}}{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Mike |last2=LaForgia |first2=Michael |date=August 25, 2021 |title='They Were Bullies': Inside the Turbulent Origins of the Collapsed Florida Condo |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/25/us/miami-building-collapse-surfside.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825235650/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/25/us/miami-building-collapse-surfside.html |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |access-date=August 26, 2021 |work=The New York Times}} The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is investigating almost two dozen potential causes for the collapse. It is likely they will determine several factors happened simultaneously to cause the collapse.{{Cite web |last=Scouten |first=Ted |date=20 June 2022 |title=NIST investigators give update on Surfside condo collapse investigation: "We haven't ruled anything out" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/nist-investigators-update-surfside-condo-collapse-investigation/ |access-date=July 9, 2022 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}
The Champlain Towers South collapse ties with the Knickerbocker Theatre collapse as the third-deadliest non-deliberate structural engineering failure in United States history.
The first deadliest is the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse and the second deadiest is the collapse of the Pemberton Mill.{{Cite web |last=Spocchia |first=Gina |date=July 17, 2021 |title=Hyatt Regency walkway collapse: 40 years ago today one of America's deadliest structural collapses took place |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hyatt-regency-walkway-collapse-kansas-b1885876.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725205115/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hyatt-regency-walkway-collapse-kansas-b1885876.html |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |access-date=July 25, 2021 |website=The Independent}}
Background
File:Champlain Towers South (Surfside, Miami, FL).jpg
The residential condominium building, Champlain Towers South, was located at 8777 Collins Avenue (Florida State Road A1A) in the town of Surfside, just north of Miami Beach, Florida.{{Cite web |last=D'Angelo |first=Bob |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Surfside condo collapse: 5 things to know about Champlain Towers South |url=https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/surfside-condo-collapse-5-things-know-about-champlain-towers-south/Z3AVM32AO5GM7ATSG2VFFXFBRM/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625002008/https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/surfside-condo-collapse-5-things-know-about-champlain-towers-south/Z3AVM32AO5GM7ATSG2VFFXFBRM/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |website=KIRO 7 News Seattle}} Champlain Towers South (completed in 1981) was part of a three-building complex along with Champlain Towers North (completed in 1982), and Champlain Towers East (built between the North and South buildings in 1994).{{Cite news |last=Harkins |first=Gina |date=June 26, 2021 |title=What you need to know about the Florida condo collapse as the search for survivors continues |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/06/25/florida-condo-collapse-what-you-should-know/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627203813/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/06/25/florida-condo-collapse-what-you-should-know/ |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |work=The Washington Post}} All three were L-shaped structures with 12 stories, but as of 2021, the South building contained the most units at 136{{Cite news |last=Sangalang |first=Jennifer |last2=Bacon |first2=John |last3=Ruiz-Goiriena |first3=Romina |date=24 June 2021 |title=Condo collapse near Miami: What we know about the building, units affected |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/2021/06/24/miami-florida-condo-collapse-buildings-units/5335841001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625021452/https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/2021/06/24/miami-florida-condo-collapse-buildings-units/5335841001/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |work=Palm Beach Post}} including a rooftop penthouse, varying in size from {{cvt|1200|to|4500|ft2|m2}} and from one to four bedrooms.{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Champlain Towers South |url=https://www.miamicondoinvestments.com/champlain-towers-south-condos |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624102916/https://www.miamicondoinvestments.com/champlain-towers-south-condos |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=Miami Condo Investments}} The penthouse was a controversial part of Champlain Towers South's design, as an exemption was needed to exceed Surfside's height limit.{{Cite news |last=Parker |first=Will |last2=Kusisto |first2=Laura |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Miami-Area Condo That Collapsed Skirted Local Codes With Penthouse |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/miami-area-condo-that-collapsed-skirted-local-codes-with-penthouse-11624902548 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702181504/https://www.wsj.com/articles/miami-area-condo-that-collapsed-skirted-local-codes-with-penthouse-11624902548 |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |work=The Wall Street Journal}} The penthouses were also not part of the original building permits.{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Mike |last2=LaForgia |first2=Michael |date=August 25, 2021 |title='They Were Bullies': Inside the Turbulent Origins of the Collapsed Florida Condo |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/25/us/miami-building-collapse-surfside.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825235650/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/25/us/miami-building-collapse-surfside.html |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |access-date=August 26, 2021 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}
William M. Friedman & Associates Architects, Inc., was the architect for the project's 1979 contract drawings.{{Cite news |last=Reinhard |first=Beth |last2=Gregg |first2=Aaron |last3=Olivo |first3=Antonio |last4=Partlow |first4=Josh |last5=Swaine |first5=Jon |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Engineer warned of 'major structural damage' years before Florida condo building collapsed |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/champlain-towers-south-surfside/2021/06/26/a509519a-d5de-11eb-a53a-3b5450fdca7a_story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915063546/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/champlain-towers-south-surfside/2021/06/26/a509519a-d5de-11eb-a53a-3b5450fdca7a_story.html |archive-date=15 September 2022 |access-date=June 29, 2021 |work=The Washington Post}} Breiterman Jurado & Associates, consulting engineers, were responsible for engineering aspects and the 1979 contract drawings, with Breiterman and associates covering structural items and Jurado and associates covering electrical and mechanical.
The project was the first new construction in Surfside following a moratorium on new development imposed by Miami-Dade County due to water and sewer infrastructure problems in Surfside during the 1970s. In 1979, developers paid the city $200,000 ({{Inflation|US|200000|1979|fmt=eq|r=-3}}) to fund the replacement of the sewer system and secure approval for the construction of the condos.{{Cite news |last=Rodriguez |first=Rene |date=June 24, 2021 |title='The building was in OK shape.' The upscale condo near Miami Beach still collapsed |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article252325063.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626002918/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article252325063.html |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}}
Collapse
{{External media|video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR29pLccutY Video shows South Florida building collapse], by Fox 13 Tampa Bay|title=Surveillance video on YouTube|float=right|width=20em}}
The pool deck of Champlain Towers South suddenly suffered a partial collapse at about 1:14 a.m, followed by the progressive collapse of the central section and eastern wing of the building at 1:22 a.m. EDT on June 24, 2021.{{Cite news |last=Blaskey |first=Sarah |last2=Albright |first2=Aaron |date=June 27, 2021 |title=Timeline: A Surfside condo fell and search-and-rescue began |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article252337838.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625160219/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article252337838.html |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |publisher=Miami Herald |ref=MHtimeline}}{{Cite news |last=Andrew |first=Scottie |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Pancake collapses: What they are and why they're dangerous |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/25/us/pancake-collapse-explainer-trnd/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625220238/https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/25/us/pancake-collapse-explainer-trnd/index.html |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |work=CNN}}{{Cite news |last=Teh |first=Cheryl |last2=Jankowicz |first2=Mia |last3=Hall |first3=Madison |last4=Musumeci |first4=Natalie |title=UPDATE: 51 people remain missing after a 12-story Florida condo building collapsed, killing at least 1 person |url=https://www.insider.com/part-of-miami-condo-block-from-ivanka-jared-caved-in-2021-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627203753/https://www.insider.com/part-of-miami-condo-block-from-ivanka-jared-caved-in-2021-6 |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |work=Insider}} The collapse of the building lasted less than 12 seconds.{{Cite magazine |last=Bergengruen |first=Vera |title=Miami is Used to Disasters. The Surfside Collapse Felt Different |url=https://time.com/6076879/surfside-collapse-miami-tragedy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702181535/https://time.com/6076879/surfside-collapse-miami-tragedy/ |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |magazine=Time}} Surveillance video footage indicates that a large north-central section of the building abruptly collapsed first. This isolated and destabilized part of the northeast corner of the building, which also collapsed approximately nine seconds later.{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Jason |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Surveillance Video From Inside And Outside Shows Miami Building Collapse |url=https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/2021-06-24-dramatic-surveillance-video-shows-miami-building-collapse/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624225957/https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/2021-06-24-dramatic-surveillance-video-shows-miami-building-collapse/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=WBZ NewsRadio 1030}}{{Cite news |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Miami building collapse: What happened, and how quickly? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-57609620 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625130205/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-57609620 |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |work=BBC News}} Of the 136 units in the building,{{Cite news |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Surfside Condo Collapse, At Least One Dead. |url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/06/24/person-killed-partial-collapse-surfside-cond |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624111536/https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/06/24/person-killed-partial-collapse-surfside-cond/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=WFOR-TV}} at least half were destroyed.{{Cite web |last=Leatherby |first=Lauren |last2=Patanjali |first2=Karthik |last3=Grothjan |first3=Evan |last4=Sun |first4=Albert |last5=Lutz |first5=Eleanor |date=July 1, 2021 |title=Floor by Floor, the Missing People and Lost Lives Near Miami |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/06/30/us/miami-building-missing-dead.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702010607/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/06/30/us/miami-building-missing-dead.html |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |website=The New York Times}}
Casualties
{{multiple image
| width = 220
| direction = vertical
| image1 = Champlain Towers South (87th Terrace view, Surfside, Miami, FL).png
| caption1 = Photo of the condominium in 2015
| image2 = Surfside condominium collapse photo from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue 2.jpg
| caption2 = Remaining part of the structure on June 24, which was demolished on July 4
}}
The collapse killed 98 people.
The sister of Silvana López Moreira, the First Lady of Paraguay, died in the collapse along with her husband and their three children.{{Cite news |date=July 8, 2021 |title=Identifican cuerpos de Sophía López Moreira, Luis Pettengill y uno de sus hijos en restos de derrumbe en Miami |trans-title=Identified the bodies of Sophía López Moreira, Luis Pettengill and one of their children in the remains of the collapse in Miami |url=https://www.abc.com.py/nacionales/2021/07/08/identifican-cuerpos-de-sophia-lopez-moreira-luis-pettengill-y-uno-de-sus-hijos-en-restos-de-derrumbe-en-miami/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184330/https://www.abc.com.py/nacionales/2021/07/08/identifican-cuerpos-de-sophia-lopez-moreira-luis-pettengill-y-uno-de-sus-hijos-en-restos-de-derrumbe-en-miami/ |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |access-date=July 9, 2021 |work=ABC Color |language=es}}{{Cite news |date=July 9, 2021 |title=Hallaron los cuerpos de tres familiares de la primera dama de Paraguay tras el derrumbe en Miami |trans-title=Found the bodies of three relatives of the first lady of Paraguay after the collapse in Miami |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2021/07/09/hallaron-los-cuerpos-de-tres-familiares-de-la-primera-dama-de-paraguay-tras-el-derrumbe-en-miami/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709094908/https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2021/07/09/hallaron-los-cuerpos-de-tres-familiares-de-la-primera-dama-de-paraguay-tras-el-derrumbe-en-miami/ |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |access-date=July 9, 2021 |work=Infobae |language=es}}{{Cite news |date=July 8, 2021 |title=Identifican cuerpos de cuñada de presidente de Paraguay y miembros de su familia en derrumbe de Miami |trans-title=identify the bodies of the sister-in-law of the president of Paraguay and members of her family in the collapse of Miami |url=https://elcomercio.pe/mundo/actualidad/derrumbe-en-miami-estados-unidos-paraguay-identifican-cuerpos-de-cunada-de-presidente-paraguayo-y-miembros-de-su-familia-en-el-colapso-de-champlain-towers-mario-abdo-benitez-nndc-noticia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190935/https://elcomercio.pe/mundo/actualidad/derrumbe-en-miami-estados-unidos-paraguay-identifican-cuerpos-de-cunada-de-presidente-paraguayo-y-miembros-de-su-familia-en-el-colapso-de-champlain-towers-mario-abdo-benitez-nndc-noticia/ |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |access-date=July 9, 2021 |work=El Comercio |location=Peru |language=es}}
Rescue and relief operations
File:Surfside condominium collapse photo from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue 3.jpg search for survivors, June 24]]
File:Surfside condominium collapse photo from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue 6.jpg, June 24]]
On June 24, more than 80 rescue units responded to the collapse, according to the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department.{{Cite news |title=1 Dead, Massive Search and Rescue Effort After Partial Collapse of Surfside Condo Building |url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/1-dead-massive-search-and-rescue-effort-after-partial-collapse-of-condo-building-in-surfside/2479570 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624105916/https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/1-dead-massive-search-and-rescue-effort-after-partial-collapse-of-condo-building-in-surfside/2479570/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |work=NBC 6 South Florida}} Surfside mayor Charles Burkett said in a news conference that ten people were treated at the scene, one person was dead, and two people were hospitalized.{{Cite news |last=Dakss |first=B. |last2=Sundby |first2=A. |last3=Lynch Baldwin |first3=S. |last4=Albert |first4=V. |last5=Powell |first5=T. B. |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Nearly 100 unaccounted for after deadly high-rise collapse in Florida |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/florida-building-collapse-surfside-2021-06-24/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625112716/https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/florida-building-collapse-surfside-2021-06-24/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |publisher=CBS News}} Both hospitalized victims – a mother and her daughter – survived with serious injuries, having fallen from the ninth floor to the fifth floor. They were pulled from the rubble by Miami Dade Fire-Rescue Aerial 19; it was originally erroneously reported by WFOR-TV (CBS 4 Miami) that the mother rescued herself.{{Cite web |date=July 5, 2021 |title=Teen Deven Gonzalez, Mother Andrea Gonzalez Rescued From Surfside Condo Collapse Fell Several Floors |url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/07/05/teen-deven-gonzalez-mother-andrea-gonzalez-rescued-surfside-condo-collapse-fell-several-floors/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710003859/https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/07/05/teen-deven-gonzalez-mother-andrea-gonzalez-rescued-surfside-condo-collapse-fell-several-floors/ |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |access-date=July 10, 2021 |language=en-US}} Her husband did not survive.{{Cite web |last=Scheckner |first=Jesse |date=July 13, 2021 |title=Here are the Surfside condo collapse victims identified so far |url=https://floridapolitics.com/archives/440078-surfside-condo-collapse-victims-those-identified-so-far/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713210153/https://floridapolitics.com/archives/440078-surfside-condo-collapse-victims-those-identified-so-far/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |access-date=July 13, 2021}} Their family cat was later found wandering near the collapsed building.{{Cite web |last=O'Neill |first=Natalie |date=July 9, 2021 |title=Survivor's tail! Cat missing in Florida condo collapse found alive |url=https://nypost.com/2021/07/09/cat-missing-in-florida-condo-collapse-found-alive/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710003858/https://nypost.com/2021/07/09/cat-missing-in-florida-condo-collapse-found-alive/ |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |access-date=July 10, 2021 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}} At least 35 people were rescued on June 24{{Cite news |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Condo Collapse: 'We Pulled 35 Occupants That Were Trapped; Rescue Operation Ongoing,' Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Officials |url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/06/24/condo-collapse-we-pulled-35-occupants-that-were-trapped-assistant-fire-chief-raide-jadallah |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624144652/https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/06/24/condo-collapse-we-pulled-35-occupants-that-were-trapped-assistant-fire-chief-raide-jadallah/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=CBS Miami}} and up to 159 were unaccounted for.{{Cite news |date=June 24, 2021 |title=1 Dead, 99 Missing, Search and Rescue Underway After Partial Collapse of Surfside Condo Building |url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/1-dead-massive-search-and-rescue-effort-after-partial-collapse-of-condo-building-in-surfside/2479570/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624185030/https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/1-dead-massive-search-and-rescue-effort-after-partial-collapse-of-condo-building-in-surfside/2479570/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |work=NBC Miami}} A woman's voice was heard until around 11:00 a.m., but rescuers were unable to reach her.{{Cite news |last=Spencer |first=Terry |date=July 2, 2021 |title=Fewer people missing in collapse; nearby tower is evacuated |url=https://www.pantagraph.com/news/national/fewer-people-missing-in-collapse-nearby-tower-is-evacuated/article_94471bed-bdc0-5025-96b6-352447d1c75f.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705193838/https://www.pantagraph.com/news/national/fewer-people-missing-in-collapse-nearby-tower-is-evacuated/article_94471bed-bdc0-5025-96b6-352447d1c75f.html |archive-date=July 5, 2021 |access-date=July 3, 2021 |work=The Pantagraph |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Viteri |first=Amy |date=June 30, 2021 |title=Rescuers spoke to woman trapped in Surfside collapse but she didn't make it |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/06/30/rescuers-spoke-to-woman-trapped-in-surfside-collapse-but-she-didnt-make-it/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725224655/https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/06/30/rescuers-spoke-to-woman-trapped-in-surfside-collapse-but-she-didnt-make-it/ |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |website=WPLG}}{{Cite web |last=Viteri |first=Amy |date=July 1, 2021 |title=Crews devastated after unable to save woman pleading for rescue in Surfside collapse |url=https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2021/07/01/crews-devastated-after-unable-to-save-woman-pleading-for-rescue-in-surfside-collapse/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726221413/https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2021/07/01/crews-devastated-after-unable-to-save-woman-pleading-for-rescue-in-surfside-collapse/ |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |website=WJXT}} Miami-Dade County mayor Daniella Levine Cava signed a state of emergency declaration at 4:33 p.m. on June 24{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Miami-Dade County Declaration of Local State of Emergency |url=https://documents.miamidade.gov/mayor/emergency-orders/06.24.21-surfside-state-of-emergency-declaration.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628030730/https://documents.miamidade.gov/mayor/emergency-orders/06.24.21-surfside-state-of-emergency-declaration.pdf |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |publisher=miamidade.gov}} and called on Florida governor Ron DeSantis to do so at the state level.{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Condo Collapse: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Signs Emergency Order |url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/06/24/condo-collapse-miami-dade-mayor-daniella-levine-cava-governor-declare-state-of-emergency/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624193821/https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/06/24/condo-collapse-miami-dade-mayor-daniella-levine-cava-governor-declare-state-of-emergency/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=CBSMiami}} Governor DeSantis viewed the site on the same day,{{Cite web |last=Papaycik |first=Matt |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis tours Surfside condo collapse damage, calls it 'really traumatic' |url=https://www.wptv.com/news/state/florida-gov-ron-desantis-tours-surfside-condo-collapse-damage-calls-it-really-traumatic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624214337/https://www.wptv.com/news/state/florida-gov-ron-desantis-tours-surfside-condo-collapse-damage-calls-it-really-traumatic |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=WPTV}} and issued a state of emergency.{{Cite news |last=Sangal |first=Aditi |last2=Wagner |first2=Meg |last3=Macaya |first3=Melissa |last4=Rocha |first4=Veronica |last5=Alfonso II |first5=Fernando |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Florida governor issues state of emergency to provide assistance for families affected by building collapse |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-24-21/h_2faaec9146c5d5533684064c4d01c740 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625035936/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-24-21/h_2faaec9146c5d5533684064c4d01c740 |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |publisher=CNN}} The White House and Federal Emergency Management Agency stated that they were in contact with local officials and providing assistance.{{Cite news |last=Sangal |first=Aditi |last2=Wagner |first2=Meg |last3=Macaya |first3=Melissa |last4=Rocha |first4=Veronica |last5=Alfonso II |first5=Fernando |date=June 24, 2021 |title=White House and FEMA are in contact with local officials after building collapse |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-24-21/h_48103551016510068700f57cbe6e1d7e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211907/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-24-21/h_48103551016510068700f57cbe6e1d7e |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=CNN}} President Joe Biden was briefed on the event, and spoke with Miami-Dade County mayor Levine Cava.{{Cite news |last=Sangal |first=Aditi |last2=Wagner |first2=Meg |last3=Macaya |first3=Melissa |last4=Rocha |first4=Veronica |last5=Alfonso II |first5=Fernando |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Mayor of Miami-Dade says she has spoken with President Biden after building collapse |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-24-21/h_c27a5c71850d18172efca6ef06fdcd42 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204700/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-24-21/h_c27a5c71850d18172efca6ef06fdcd42 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=CNN}}{{Cite news |last=Sangal |first=Aditi |last2=Wagner |first2=Meg |last3=Macaya |first3=Melissa |last4=Rocha |first4=Veronica |last5=Alfonso II |first5=Fernando |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Biden has been briefed on partial building collapse |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-24-21/h_703f623cfd1c9f4b3856736791280b8d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211905/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-24-21/h_703f623cfd1c9f4b3856736791280b8d |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=CNN}}
Two FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force teams, Urban Search and Rescue Florida Task Force 1 based in the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue Florida Task Force 2 based in the Miami Fire-Rescue Department, were activated.{{Cite news |last=Morejon |first=Liane |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Task Force 2 is here: 80 elite members, including K-9s, arrive to help in Surfside building collapse |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/06/25/task-force-2-is-here-80-elite-members-including-k-9s-on-their-way-to-help-surfside-building-collapse/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626163307/https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/06/25/task-force-2-is-here-80-elite-members-including-k-9s-on-their-way-to-help-surfside-building-collapse/ |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |work=Local 10 |location=Miami, Florida}}{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Dustin |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Top Tier Crews Continue Rescue Efforts in Florida |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/live-updates-miami-area-condo-collapse/2021/06/26/1010497588/top-tier-crews-continue-rescue-efforts-in-florida |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626222119/https://www.npr.org/sections/live-updates-miami-area-condo-collapse/2021/06/26/1010497588/top-tier-crews-continue-rescue-efforts-in-florida |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |work=NPR}} An additional three teams, one in Ohio and two in Virginia, were put on standby.{{Cite news |last=Bovenzi |first=Tino |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Ohio Task Force 1 prepared to assist at Miami condo collapse |url=https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2021/06/25/ohio-task-force-1-prepared-to-assist-at-miami-condo-collapse |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626193901/https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2021/06/25/ohio-task-force-1-prepared-to-assist-at-miami-condo-collapse |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |work=Spectrum News |location=Dayton, Ohio}} Members of Hatzalah of South Florida, a Jewish faith-based ambulance service which was authorized to transport patients as part of a law signed the previous week in Surfside,{{Cite news |last=Batchelor |first=Amanda |last2=Milberg |first2=Glenna |date=June 14, 2021 |title=DeSantis signs new law supporting faith-based volunteer ambulance services |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/06/14/gov-ron-desantis-holds-news-conference-at-south-florida-synagogue/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628193851/https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/06/14/gov-ron-desantis-holds-news-conference-at-south-florida-synagogue/ |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |publisher=Local 10}} were among the first to respond, setting up an onsite triage station.{{Cite news |last=Morganbesser |first=Lauren |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Hatzalah paramedics at Florida building collapse: There is hope |url=https://www.jpost.com/international/hatzalah-paramedics-at-florida-building-collapse-there-is-hope-672206 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701011735/https://www.jpost.com/international/hatzalah-paramedics-at-florida-building-collapse-there-is-hope-672206 |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |publisher=Jerusalem Post}}
Israel offered clothes, medication, food, water, and other aid to the victims of the collapse, according to Israeli consul general Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, who came to the scene and conveyed an official offer from the Israeli government to send the Israel Defense Forces' Home Front Command search and rescue team to assist in the rescue efforts. The Command has assisted in many other disasters, such as the 2017 Puebla earthquake, 2010 Haitian earthquake, and Typhoon Haiyan.{{Cite news |last=Magid |first=Jacob |title=Israel providing aid at scene of Florida building collapse, offers rescue team |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-providing-aid-at-scene-of-florida-building-collapse-offers-rescue-team/amp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625183831/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-providing-aid-at-scene-of-florida-building-collapse-offers-rescue-team/amp/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |publisher=Times of Israel |agency=Times of Israel}} Israel's President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid offered condolences and support.{{Cite news |last=Magid |first=Jacob |title=Florida yet to answer Israeli offer to send rescue team to collapsed building |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/florida-yet-to-answer-israeli-offer-to-send-rescue-team-to-collapsed-building/amp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626002221/https://www.timesofisrael.com/florida-yet-to-answer-israeli-offer-to-send-rescue-team-to-collapsed-building/amp/ |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |publisher=Times of Israel |agency=Times of Israel}} A unit specializing in providing psychological and emotional stabilization following traumatic incidents was dispatched from United Hatzalah.{{Cite web |last=Sheinerman |first=Marie-Rose |date=June 30, 2021 |title=Israeli rescue mission in Surfside includes trauma therapy |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article252452368.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702014235/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article252452368.html |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |website=Miami Herald}} At least 35 of those missing were Jewish.
The National Basketball Association's Miami Heat staff handed out water and snacks to state emergency workers. World Central Kitchen and Direct Relief, both of which are beneficiaries of the Heat's charitable arm, were also helping.{{Cite news |last=Sangal |first=Aditi |last2=Wagner |first2=Meg |last3=Macaya |first3=Melissa |last4=Rocha |first4=Veronica |last5=Alfonso II |first5=Fernando |date=June 24, 2021 |title=The NBA's Miami Heat lend help at partial building collapse |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-24-21/h_72a63b3d16e50356ed288346bd913194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202321/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-24-21/h_72a63b3d16e50356ed288346bd913194 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=CNN}} American Red Cross volunteers assisted people displaced by the collapse.{{Cite news |last=Sangal |first=Aditi |last2=Wagner |first2=Meg |last3=Macaya |first3=Melissa |last4=Rocha |first4=Veronica |last5=Alfonso II |first5=Fernando |date=June 24, 2021 |title=American Red Cross assisting people displaced by building collapse |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-24-21/h_1cfa5ce3a785bb30cbd9d6282641044f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625000612/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-24-21/h_1cfa5ce3a785bb30cbd9d6282641044f |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |publisher=CNN}}
On June 25, Mayor Levine Cava announced that rescue teams from Israel and Mexico had joined the search and rescue effort, rotating in two daily 12-hour shifts of sifting through the rubble.{{Cite news |last=Villarreal |first=Daniel |title=Mexican and Israeli Task Forces Join Search For Survivors in Surfside Building Collapse |url=https://www.newsweek.com/mexican-israeli-task-forces-join-search-survivors-surfside-building-collapse-1604365 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626020124/https://www.newsweek.com/mexican-israeli-task-forces-join-search-survivors-surfside-building-collapse-1604365 |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |publisher=Newsweek |agency=Newsweek}}
On June 26, in a news conference, Mayor Levine Cava explained that a fire deep within the rubble, and subsequent smoke, were impeding the ability of fire and rescue personnel to search for survivors. She indicated that the fire "spread laterally throughout the pile", making it difficult to isolate the source.{{Cite news |last=Alfonso III |first=Fernando |last2=Chowdhury |first2=Maureen |last3=Rahim |first3=Zamira |last4=Elassar |first4=Alaa |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Miami-Dade mayor says the fire at rescue site is hampering search efforts |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-26-21-intl/h_3219fee2dc1f535221d08b06cae7b3b6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626154952/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-26-21-intl/h_3219fee2dc1f535221d08b06cae7b3b6 |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |work=CNN}} Officials said rescuers were in the tower's heavily damaged underground parking garage, under constantly changing conditions. Levine Cava advised that "No further victims have been found, as you've heard. The numbers are the same as they were yesterday; 127 have been accounted for... One hundred and 59 unaccounted for. Four confirmed dead."{{Cite news |last=Alfonso III |first=Fernando |last2=Chowdhury |first2=Maureen |last3=Rahim |first3=Zamira |last4=Elassar |first4=Alaa |date=June 26, 2021 |title=No other victims have been found following the condo collapse, Miami-Dade mayor says |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-26-21-intl/h_4c9a4e23e46ece4dd99118b5b127e57b |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627040643/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-26-21-intl/h_4c9a4e23e46ece4dd99118b5b127e57b |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |work=CNN}} Later that afternoon, the official toll was revised without elaboration to five dead and 156 missing.{{Cite news |last=Bella |first=Timothy |last2=Anders |first2=Caroline |last3=Farzan |first3=Antonia Noori |last4=Bellware |first4=Kim |last5=Kornfield |first5=Meryl |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Live updates: Known death toll in Florida condo collapse rises to 5, officials say on third day of search |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/06/26/florida-condo-building-collapse-live-updates/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626130245/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/06/26/florida-condo-building-collapse-live-updates/ |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |work=Washington Post |authorlink3=Antonia Noori Farzan}}
Surfside Mayor Burkett advised residents of the Champlain Towers North building, located about {{cvt|500|ft|m}} north of the fallen structure, to evacuate with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance "pending a thorough structural investigation", noting that the North and South buildings had been constructed by the same developer at about the same time, and likely using similar plans and materials.{{Cite news |last=Alfonso III |first=Fernando |last2=Chowdhury |first2=Maureen |last3=Rahim |first3=Zamira |last4=Elassar |first4=Alaa |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Surfside mayor recommends residents of Champlain North Tower to evacuate |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-26-21-intl/h_f08f6df74fe49c7bab65c800a27dc3b9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626125248/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-26-21-intl/h_f08f6df74fe49c7bab65c800a27dc3b9 |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |work=CNN}} He did not immediately order the evacuation of the building or declare it unsafe.{{Cite web |last=Marchante |first=Michelle |last2=Neal |first2=David J. |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Collapsed condo tower's 'sister building' has not been evacuated. That could change |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252390428.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627203808/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252390428.html |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |website=Miami Herald}} By late afternoon, voluntary evacuations were occurring at both Champlain Tower North and Champlain Tower East.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Julie K. |last2=Neal |first2=David J. |last3=Rabin |first3=Charles |last4=Chang |first4=Daniel |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Death toll up to 5 as search for survivors goes on. Miami-Dade orders audit of high rises |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252386828.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627203823/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252386828.html |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |website=Miami Herald}}
Florida officials announced that THOR, a {{cvt|1000|sqfoot}} mobile command center, was being deployed from Escambia County to help coordinate teams and operations.{{Cite news |last=Alfonso III |first=Fernando |last2=Chowdhury |first2=Maureen |last3=Rahim |first3=Zamira |last4=Elassar |first4=Alaa |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Escambia County is deploying THOR, a mobile command center, to help in rescue efforts |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-26-21-intl/h_2ecd13f1e2a9b37ac2807818e28859c5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627040612/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-26-21-intl/h_2ecd13f1e2a9b37ac2807818e28859c5 |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |work=CNN}} THOR, which includes cellular, satellite, and VOIP wireless systems and UHF and VHF radio systems, with built-in generators, was deployed for at least 10 days.{{Cite news |date=June 26, 2021 |title=State calls on Escambia County's command center to respond to collapsed condo in Florida |url=https://weartv.com/news/local/state-calls-on-escambia-countys-command-center-to-respond-to-collasped-condo-in-florida |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626175702/https://weartv.com/news/local/state-calls-on-escambia-countys-command-center-to-respond-to-collasped-condo-in-florida |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |work=WEAR-TV}}
File:IDF Aid Mission to Surfside condominium building collapse, June 2021. V.jpg
On June 27, FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell announced that the US Army Corps of Engineers, which has significant experience with complex construction, demolition, stabilization, and forensic engineering projects, is providing onsite assistance.{{Cite news |last=Rahim |first=Zamira |last2=Wilkinson |first2=Peter |last3=Alfonso III |first3=Fernando |date=June 27, 2021 |title=FEMA administrator says Army Corps of Engineers has been deployed at Surfside collapse |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-27-21-intl/h_993c271f77b3cb4dcdee8b24f7445d2e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627203816/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-27-21-intl/h_993c271f77b3cb4dcdee8b24f7445d2e |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |work=CNN}} A search-and-rescue team from the Israeli Defense Forces' Home Front Command arrived in the morning, along with a six-person psycho-trauma unit from the Israel-based United Hatzalah including the K9 AACR therapy unit (with a first response therapy dog and her therapist handler), and members of ZAKA, a volunteer team that specializes in rescues and gathering body parts for Jewish burial.{{Cite news |last=Rosen |first=Armin |date=July 1, 2021 |title=The IDF Arrives in Surfside |url=https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/armin-rosen-idf-surfside |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702014220/https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/armin-rosen-idf-surfside |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |publisher=Tablet Magazine}}{{Cite news |last=Klein Leichman |first=Abigail |date=June 29, 2021 |title=Israelis fight despair while aiding survivors, rescuers in Florida calamity |url=https://www.jns.org/israelis-fight-despair-while-aiding-survivors-rescuers-in-florida-calamity/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629230422/https://www.jns.org/israelis-fight-despair-while-aiding-survivors-rescuers-in-florida-calamity/ |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |publisher=JNS}}{{Cite news |last=Sheinerman |first=Marie-Rose |date=June 29, 2021 |title=Not just search and rescue: Israeli-backed efforts bring trauma therapy to Surfside |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article252452368.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702014235/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article252452368.html |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |publisher=Miami Herald}} In the evening, Mayor Levine Cava advised that nine people had been confirmed dead and 152 were missing. Four more names were released later that night, leaving only one of those confirmed dead not publicly identified. Two of the victims named were Venezuelan nationals.{{Cite news |last=Rahim |first=Zamira |last2=Wilkinson |first2=Peter |last3=Alfonso III |first3=Fernando |date=June 27, 2021 |title=Four additional victims identified, 152 people still unaccounted for in collapse |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-27-21-intl/h_63fc0b24e62b52769c1a988e7a6c68df |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628030751/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-27-21-intl/h_63fc0b24e62b52769c1a988e7a6c68df |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |work=CNN}}
On June 28, an additional fatality was confirmed, bringing the number of dead to 10, with 151 people still missing. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah stressed that, while the operation entered its fifth day, the effort was still focused on the search for and potential rescue of survivors rather than shifting to recovery.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Julie K. |last2=Neal |first2=David J. |last3=Rabin |first3=Charles |last4=Chang |first4=Daniel |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Death toll hits 10 in Champlain condo collapse on fifth day of search for 151 missing |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252414358.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628222322/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252414358.html |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |website=Miami Herald}} In the afternoon, Levine Cava announced that an eleventh body had been found, reducing the number of missing to 150.{{Cite news |last=Yan |first=Holly |last2=Silverman |first2=Hollie |date=June 28, 2021 |title=The death toll from the Florida condo collapse reaches 11 as rescuers race to find 150 people still missing |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/28/us/miami-dade-building-collapse-monday/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629020957/https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/28/us/miami-dade-building-collapse-monday/index.html |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=CNN}} The names of three additional victims were released later in the evening, making all of the 11 known fatalities then publicly identified.{{Cite news |last=Teproff |first=Carli |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Police identify three more victims after the Surfside condo collapse. Death toll hits 11 |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article252434743.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629150946/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article252434743.html |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}} An international nonprofit group of volunteers trained in Israel called Cadena International (cadena being a Spanish word meaning "chain") was assisting the rescue mission.{{Cite news |last=Goodhue |first=David |date=June 28, 2021 |title=A search dog from Mexico is at the Surfside collapse site, working with a global crew |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252419443.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629150946/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252419443.html |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}}
The Miami Marlins, along with the Miami Marlins Foundation, created the Marlins Surfside Relief Fund. Matching $50,000 donations were made by Marlins majority owner and chairman, along with additional monies.{{Cite web |last=Branca |first=Samantha |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Miami Marlins launches Surfside Relief Fund with $200,000 in initial commitments |url=https://wsvn.com/sports/miami-marlins-launches-surfside-relief-fund-with-200000-in-initial-commitments/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629023236/https://wsvn.com/sports/miami-marlins-launches-surfside-relief-fund-with-200000-in-initial-commitments/ |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=June 29, 2021 |website=WSVN-TV}}
On June 29, Mayor Levine Cava reported that no more survivors or victims had yet been found, but that 210 search and rescue workers were on site, each working 12-hour shifts. Workers were being medically evaluated regularly to ensure their fitness to work at the site. A massive fire deep in the rubble pile, which had hampered search and rescue efforts since the collapse, was finally extinguished.{{Cite news |last=Padro Ocasio |first=Bianca |last2=Weaver |first2=Jay |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Rescue workers forge ahead at collapsed Surfside condo, but no new fatalities reported |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article252439948.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629151059/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article252439948.html |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=June 29, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}} Small, radio-controlled robots equipped with thermal sensors and 360-degree cameras were being deployed to assist in search and recovery efforts.{{Cite news |last=Neal |first=David J. |last2=Padró Ocasio |first2=Bianca |date=June 29, 2021 |title='Send the robots in first.' Unmanned devices search condo collapse near Miami Beach |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252442278.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629195158/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252442278.html |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=June 30, 2021}} President Biden was expected to visit the site on July 1, having not done so earlier to avoid disrupting rescue operations.{{Cite news |last=Wilner |first=Michael |last2=Roarty |first2=Alex |date=June 29, 2021 |title=Biden will visit Surfside on Thursday after condo building collaps |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article252441318.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629151139/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article252441318.html |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=June 30, 2021}}
In the evening, Mayor Levine Cava advised that 12 people had been confirmed dead and 149 were missing. Levine Cava said that authorities would audit the names of the missing to ensure none are duplicates, particularly because of provided Hebrew names. Miami-Dade Fire Chief Alan Cominsky said {{cvt|3000000|lbs|t|abbr=off}} of concrete had been removed from the site of the collapse. He said rescue workers would not reenter the west section of the building facing Collins Avenue, which was still standing, because it was unstable, making it too dangerous to do so. Rescuers could not enter a large area under the rubble on the eastern side of the site because of the same risk.{{Cite news |last=Vassolo |first=Martin |last2=Gross |first2=Samantha J. |last3=Padró Ocasio |first3=Bianca |last4=Weaver |first4=Jay |date=June 29, 2021 |title=Death toll grows to 12 at collapsed Surfside condo; 149 remain missing |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2021/06/29/death-toll-grows-to-12-at-collapsed-surfside-condo-149-remain-missing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630001952/https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2021/06/29/death-toll-grows-to-12-at-collapsed-surfside-condo-149-remain-missing/ |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |access-date=June 29, 2021 |work=Tampa Bay Times}}
Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie and Miami-Dade Fire Chief Cominsky requested that FEMA deploy an additional Urban Search and Rescue Task Force team, anticipating that emergency response to the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season would otherwise have an adverse impact on the number of rescue and recovery personnel available for deployment at Surfside.{{Cite news |last=Vassolo |first=Martin |last2=Cetoute |first2=Devoun |date=June 29, 2021 |title=Hurricanes may strain condo collapse rescue efforts. Authorities work to split resources |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252461383.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630140552/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252461383.html |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |access-date=June 30, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}}
On June 30, an additional six bodies were found on Wednesday, including the wife and two children of a man whose body was found on June 26. This brought the death toll to 18 and reduced the number of missing to 145.{{Cite news |last=Teproff |first=Carli |last2=Gross |first2=Samantha J. |last3=Flechas |first3=Joey |last4=Padró Ocasio |first4=Bianca |date=July 1, 2021 |title=As Surfside toll rises, more victims named – including 2 young sisters and their mom |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252490913.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702014235/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252490913.html |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}} In the afternoon, the rescuers discovered void spaces, including one described as "a big tunnel", in the rubble.{{Cite news |last=Fink |first=Jenni |date=June 30, 2021 |title=Newly Found Tunnels Underneath Surfside Collapse Fuel Rescuers Hope of Finding Survivors |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/newly-found-tunnels-underneath-surfside-collapse-fuel-rescuers-hope-of-finding-survivors/ar-AALDqcN?ocid=winp2octtaskbar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702014222/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/newly-found-tunnels-underneath-surfside-collapse-fuel-rescuers-hope-of-finding-survivors/ar-AALDqcN?ocid=winp2octtaskbar |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |publisher=Newsweek}}{{Cite news |last=Marchant |first=Michelle |date=July 1, 2021 |title=Here's why rescue crews want to find 'voids' in the collapsed condo tower in Surfside |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252478458.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702181526/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252478458.html |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}}
On July 1, search and rescue efforts were halted at the site at approximately 2:00 a.m. due to concerns that the western portion of the structure, which had not collapsed, was increasingly likely to do so, creating unsafe conditions for workers.{{Cite news |last=Conarck |first=Ben |last2=Hanks |first2=Douglas |last3=Rabin |first3=Charles |date=July 1, 2021 |title=Threat looms from remaining building at collapse site as authorities weigh next moves |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252499678.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702014236/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252499678.html |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}} President Biden visited the site after meeting with Governor DeSantis, Mayor Levine Cava, other elected leaders, and uniformed first responders in a conference room at the nearby St. Regis Bal Harbour resort. Biden suggested that the federal government could possibly cover the full cost of the first 30 days of rescue and recovery efforts.{{Cite news |last=Hanks |first=Douglas |last2=Padró Ocasio |first2=Bianca |last3=Vassolo |first3=Martin |last4=Ovalle |first4=David |last5=Harris |first5=Alex |title=Rescue work resumes 'in areas that are safe' at condo site as Biden leaves South Florida |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252490903.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702014236/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252490903.html |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}} Concern also mounted that Tropical Storm Elsa could make landfall in south Florida, further destabilizing the standing portion of the structure and the debris field and interfering with rescue operations.{{Cite news |last=Marchante |first=Michelle |last2=Harris |first2=Alex |title=Tropical Storm Elsa, 5th named storm of season, forms. Will track bring it to Florida? |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article252496783.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701161254/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article252496783.html |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021}} The search resumed in the early evening after a 15-hour delay, and authorities announced the identity of an additional fatality, leaving one victim publicly unidentified.
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which sent scientists and engineers to the site on June 25 under the authority of the National Construction Safety Team Act,{{Cite news |last=Leibowitz |first=Aaron |last2=Blaskey |first2=Sarah |last3=Robertson |first3=Linda |last4=Weaver |first4=Jay |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Agency that studied fall of Twin Towers in line to probe collapse of condo near Miami Beach |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252392883.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627203825/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252392883.html |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}} announced that it would launch a full investigation into the collapse, with an eye to determining best practices to prevent similar disasters in the future. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the U.S. representative from Florida's 23rd congressional district which includes Surfside, tweeted, "There are millions of high-rise condo units like those in Champlain Towers all across Florida... The NIST investigation is a major announcement and will be key to learning not only the cause of the tragedy in Surfside, but the potential danger posed to other structures across FL."{{Cite news |last=Daughtery |first=Alex |title=It could be months, not years, until federal Surfside investigation yields new facts |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252505283.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702093228/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252505283.html |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}}
On July 2, the bodies of two more victims were found in the wreckage, according to comments at a morning news conference by Mayor Levine Cava, bringing the known death toll to 20.{{Cite web |date=July 2, 2021 |title=Two additional victims discovered in the Surfside collapse, mayor says |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-07-02-21/h_c190eed754ffe7bfa064159ee35c18ad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702181506/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-07-02-21/h_c190eed754ffe7bfa064159ee35c18ad |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |website=CNN}} The mayor also revised the number of missing downward to 128, explaining that officials "originally received a report [regarding] a potentially missing person... That report was only marked as one person, but when the detectives were able to reach and verify... we discovered that there are in fact, several family members who could have been [ac]counted for... and now we can mark them as safe."
Due to the large influx of search and rescue personnel, officials, and investigators from around the country and outside the US, and a resulting shortage of hotel rooms, accommodations were being provided to some workers on a cruise ship, Royal Caribbean Group's Explorer of the Seas, docked at PortMiami.{{Cite web |last=Wile |first=Rob |last2=Hanks |first2=Doug |title=Facing a hotel bed shortage, some condo rescue crews will sleep aboard a cruise ship |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article252533648.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702231433/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article252533648.html |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |website=Miami Herald}}
At an evening news conference, Mayor Levine Cava announced the recovery of two additional bodies, bringing the death toll to 22.{{Cite web |title=Surfside building collapse latest: Death toll rises to 22, including child of firefighter |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/surfside-building-collapse-latest-search-rescue-resumes-officials/story?id=78626971 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702095315/https://abcnews.go.com/US/surfside-building-collapse-latest-search-rescue-resumes-officials/story?id=78626971 |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |website=ABC News}} The mayor then ordered the remaining structure to be demolished as soon as it was feasible. Ongoing structural engineering assessments indicated that the standing portion of the structure was dangerously unstable, presenting a hazard to rescue and recovery teams working on site. She said the demolition would "take, most likely, weeks".{{Cite web |last=Croft |first=Jay |last2=Holcombe |first2=Madeline |date=July 2, 2021 |title=Mayor authorizes demolition of remaining units at Surfside condo collapse site |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/02/us/miami-dade-building-collapse-friday/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702093514/https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/02/us/miami-dade-building-collapse-friday/index.html |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |website=CNN}}
A Chilean man, first cousin of Chilean Air Force general Alberto Bachelet and uncle to the general's daughter Michelle Bachelet (who served as President of Chile from 2006 to 2010 and 2014 to 2018), and his Filipino American wife, a retired senior budget officer at the International Monetary Fund, were formally identified by authorities on Friday night among four previously recovered victims.{{Cite news |last=Brasileiro |first=Adriana |date=July 2, 2021 |title=She was 'my Oprah' – Filipino woman and her Chilean husband killed in condo collapse |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article252424133.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629151246/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article252424133.html |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}}{{Cite web |last=Cetoute |first=Devoun |date=July 2, 2021 |title=A 7-year-old girl among four more victims identified in Surfside condo collapse, cops say |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252548443.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705053733/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252548443.html |archive-date=July 5, 2021 |access-date=July 4, 2021 |website=Miami Herald}}{{Cite news |last=Jarvie |first=Jenny |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Those missing in Florida condo collapse were a diverse group, straddling cultures, countries, generations and faiths |url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-06-26/those-missing-in-miami-condo-were-a-diverse-group-straddling-cultures-countries-generations-and-faiths |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630194138/https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-06-26/those-missing-in-miami-condo-were-a-diverse-group-straddling-cultures-countries-generations-and-faiths |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times}}{{Cite news |last=Waldrop |first=Theresa |date=June 25, 2021 |title='This is what we know about those missing in the Miami condo collapse |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/24/us/miami-building-collapse-victims-missing/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624231200/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/24/us/miami-building-collapse-victims-missing/index.html |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |publisher=CNN}}
On July 3, two more bodies were found at the site, bringing the known death toll to 24, and the number of missing was revised downward to 121.{{Cite news |last= |date=July 3, 2021 |title=Search Suspended as Surfside Condo to Be Demolished; Death Toll at 24 |url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/search-and-rescue-efforts-continue-at-site-of-surfside-collapse-as-crews-enter-day-10/2487125/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703145037/https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/search-and-rescue-efforts-continue-at-site-of-surfside-collapse-as-crews-enter-day-10/2487125/ |archive-date=July 3, 2021 |access-date=July 3, 2021 |work=NBC 6 South Florida}} Demolition of the remaining structure was moved to an earlier date, due to Tropical Storm Elsa, which was expected to arrive in Florida the following week. The search was suspended as a result.{{Cite news |date=July 4, 2021 |title=Miami building collapse: Search efforts suspended ahead of demolition |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57710766 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704123119/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57710766 |archive-date=July 4, 2021 |access-date=July 4, 2021 |work=BBC News}} Rescuers used visual searches, thermal cameras, drones, and animal traps to try to locate pets left behind in the standing portion of the building, but did not find any.{{Cite news |last=Mark |first=Michelle |date=July 4, 2021 |title=Rescuers searched 3 times for left-behind pets in the still-standing part of the collapsed Florida condo |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/rescuers-searched-3-times-for-left-behind-pets-in-the-still-standing-part-of-the-collapsed-florida-condo/ar-AALKjpQ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705053728/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/rescuers-searched-3-times-for-left-behind-pets-in-the-still-standing-part-of-the-collapsed-florida-condo/ar-AALKjpQ |archive-date=July 5, 2021 |access-date=July 4, 2021 |work=MSN.com}}{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Trent |date=July 4, 2021 |title=Some residents expressing concern about pets possibly still inside soon-to-be-demolished Champlain Towers South condo |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/07/04/some-residents-expressing-concern-about-pets-possibly-still-inside-soon-to-be-demolished-champlain-towers-south-condo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705054051/https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/07/04/some-residents-expressing-concern-about-pets-possibly-still-inside-soon-to-be-demolished-champlain-towers-south-condo/ |archive-date=July 5, 2021 |access-date=July 5, 2021 |website=WPLG}}
On July 4, authorities announced that the still-standing western portion of Champlain Towers South would be demolished by Controlled Demolition, Inc. between 10:00 p.m. EDT Sunday night and 3:00 a.m. EDT Monday morning, after accelerating planning and placement of explosives in the building's foundation to complete the demolition prior to the arrival of Hurricane Elsa (then a tropical storm). The controlled demolition was expected to cause the standing structure to collapse mostly into the existing footprint of the building, with debris outside that perimeter expected to fall on the west (Collins Avenue) side to avoid disturbing the existing search and rescue zone on the east. The search for survivors of the initial collapse was set to resume almost immediately after the demolition was completed.{{Cite web |last=Goodhue |first=David |last2=Hanks |first2=Douglas |last3=Wile |first3=Rob |last4=Padró Ocasio |first4=Bianca |date=July 4, 2021 |title=Rest of collapsed Surfside condo set to be demolished Sunday night, fire officials say |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252564493.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704225316/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252564493.html |archive-date=July 4, 2021 |access-date=July 4, 2021 |website=Miami Herald}}{{Cite news |last=Silverman |first=Hollie |last2=Alonso |first2=Melissa |last3=Andone |first3=Dakin |title=Demolition of partially collapsed Surfside condo to take place Sunday night, official says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/04/us/miami-dade-building-collapse-sunday/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705003041/https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/04/us/miami-dade-building-collapse-sunday/index.html |archive-date=July 5, 2021 |access-date=July 5, 2021 |work=CNN}}
A petition with over 18,000 people was signed to halt the demolition plans until all pets were found in the standing portion of the building.{{Cite web |title=Crews Searched Collapsed Fla. Condo for Missing Pets Before Demolition: 'No Stone Unturned' |url=https://people.com/human-interest/crews-searched-collapsed-florida-condo-for-missing-pets-before-demolition/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711164755/https://people.com/human-interest/crews-searched-collapsed-florida-condo-for-missing-pets-before-demolition/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=PEOPLE.com}} An hour before demolition, a county judge denied an attorney's emergency motion to delay demolition and allow people to retrieve their pets.{{Cite web |date=July 6, 2021 |title=Emergency Motion To Rescue Pet In Surfside Condo Denied One Hour Before Demolition |url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/07/06/emergency-motion-denied-pet-rescue-surfside-condo-demolition/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706180713/https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/07/06/emergency-motion-denied-pet-rescue-surfside-condo-demolition/ |archive-date=July 6, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2022 |website=CBS Miami |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Ewan |date=July 5, 2021 |title=Woman goes to court in bid to stop Surfside demolition to save cat |url=https://www.newsweek.com/champlain-towers-south-collapse-cat-rescue-1606830 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711120616/https://www.newsweek.com/champlain-towers-south-collapse-cat-rescue-1606830 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2022 |website=Newsweek}}{{Cite web |last=Mongelli |first=Lorena |last2=Sheehy |first2=Kate |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Pet owners desperate over their missing animals in Florida tower collapse |url=https://nypost.com/2021/06/28/pet-owners-frantic-over-their-missing-animals-in-florida-tower-collapse/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628235313/https://nypost.com/2021/06/28/pet-owners-frantic-over-their-missing-animals-in-florida-tower-collapse/ |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}}
The demolition took place at approximately 10:30 p.m. EDT on July 4,{{Cite web |last=Fernandez |first=Jenise |last2=Wright |first2=Madeleine |last3=Torres |first3=Andrea |last4=Dwork |first4=David |last5=Lowe |first5=Rosh |date=July 4, 2021 |title=Surfside building collapse: Remaining structure brought down with controlled demolition |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/07/04/watch-live-officials-update-public-on-rescue-operation-at-surfside-building-collapse/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705053745/https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/07/04/watch-live-officials-update-public-on-rescue-operation-at-surfside-building-collapse/ |archive-date=July 5, 2021 |access-date=July 5, 2021 |website=WPLG}} and the search for survivors resumed 20 minutes later.{{Cite web |last=Madani |first=Doha |date=July 5, 2021 |title=Search efforts resume after Miami condo building demolished |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/search-efforts-121-missing-residents-resume-after-miami-condo-building-n1273085 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705193838/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/search-efforts-121-missing-residents-resume-after-miami-condo-building-n1273085 |archive-date=July 5, 2021 |access-date=July 5, 2021 |website=NBC News}}
On July 6, the death toll continued to increase as workers searched portions of the rubble that they had previously not been able to access. At a morning news conference, Mayor Levine Cava said there are "only around 70 [people] that we can confirm were in the building at the time of collapse", acknowledging doubt about the official estimate of 113 missing. Tropical Storm Elsa increased in strength in the Straits of Florida north of Cuba, prompting authorities to predict that it would be a Category 1 hurricane when it made landfall along Florida's west coast.{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Alex |date=July 6, 2021 |title=Tropical Storm Elsa now expected to hit Florida's west coast as a Category 1 hurricane |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article252591423.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707130611/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article252591423.html |archive-date=July 7, 2021 |access-date=July 6, 2021 |website=Miami Herald}}
In the late afternoon, officials announced that an additional 12 bodies had been located since the search resumed after the demolition of the western portion of the structure on Sunday, including 4 on Tuesday. This brought the death toll to 36, with as many as 109 people still considered missing. Of the 36 confirmed dead, 29 have been publicly identified.{{Cite web |last=Samantha J. Gross |last2=Joey Flechas |last3=Jay Weaver |date=July 6, 2021 |title=After demolition of Surfside condo, more victims are being found in original rubble |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252594518.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706175559/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252594518.html |archive-date=July 6, 2021 |access-date=July 6, 2021 |website=Miami Herald}}
On July 7, In a private morning briefing with families, and a later briefing for reporters, authorities announced the recovery of an additional 10 bodies, the largest number thus far found in any 24-hour period. This brought the number of known deaths to 46. According to Mayor Levine Cava, 94 were still believed missing. Miami-Dade Fire Chief Jadallah said that families of 32 of the victims have been notified, and stated that "we haven't transitioned" to a purely recovery operation, as would occur when rescue of additional survivors was deemed no longer possible. He said they had so far not detected any voids in the rubble that would be likely to shelter survivors. Tropical Storm Elsa weakened and made landfall significantly north and west of Miami, greatly reducing its impact on the ongoing operations at the site versus earlier predictions.{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Alex |date=July 7, 2021 |title=Tropical Storm Elsa makes landfall near Cedar Key, Florida with 65 mph winds |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article252617833.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184832/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article252617833.html |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |access-date=July 11, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}}
Later in the day, authorities announced in another private briefing for family members that operations, now in their 14th day, were shifting from search and rescue to search and recovery.
= Subsequent recovery operation =
On July 9, the death toll rose to 79 after workers found an additional 15 victims. Binx, a cat who lived with the Gonzalez family on the ninth floor, was found alive. The survival of the cat gave relatives hope for additional human survivors.{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2021 |title=Cat from collapsed building found alive, returned to family |url=https://apnews.com/article/cats-surfside-building-collapse-7827e1ef709f3cc3467bfb8c214c2be7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712040659/https://apnews.com/article/cats-surfside-building-collapse-7827e1ef709f3cc3467bfb8c214c2be7 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=July 10, 2021 |website=AP News}} Seven more victims were found the following day, bringing the death toll to 86. 43 people remained missing.{{Cite news |last=Elamroussi |first=Aya |last2=Sanchez |first2=Ray |date=July 10, 2021 |title=Death toll rises to 86 as recovery teams battle inclement weather at Surfside collapse site |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/10/us/miami-dade-building-collapse-saturday/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713004905/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/10/us/miami-dade-building-collapse-saturday/index.html |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |publisher=CNN}}
On July 11, four more victims were found, bringing the death toll to 90, while the number of missing was revised to 31.{{Cite news |last=Szekely |first=Peter |date=July 11, 2021 |title=Florida condominium collapse death toll rises to 90, with 31 missing |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/death-toll-miami-area-condo-collapse-rises-90-mayor-says-2021-07-11/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713055134/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/death-toll-miami-area-condo-collapse-rises-90-mayor-says-2021-07-11/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |publisher=Reuters}}{{Cite news |last=Madani |first=Doha |date=July 11, 2021 |title=Death toll rises to 90 in Miami Beach-area condo building collapse |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/death-toll-rises-90-miami-beach-area-condo-building-collapse-n1273645 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713000546/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/death-toll-rises-90-miami-beach-area-condo-building-collapse-n1273645 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |work=NBC News}}{{Cite news |last=Andone |first=Dakin |date=July 11, 2021 |title=Death toll rises to 90 in Surfside condo collapse |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/11/us/miami-dade-building-collapse-sunday/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712220056/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/11/us/miami-dade-building-collapse-sunday/index.html |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |work=CNN}} On the following day, four more victims were found, bringing the death toll to 94, while the number of missing was revised to 22.{{Cite web |last=Calvan |first=Bobby Caina |date=July 12, 2021 |title=Surfside death toll rises to 94 as officials and families weigh how to honor dead at 'holy site' |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/miami-dade/fl-ne-surfside-july-12-20210712-2ewdzomlwrc43lhrtfdx7rheqe-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713012135/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/miami-dade/fl-ne-surfside-july-12-20210712-2ewdzomlwrc43lhrtfdx7rheqe-story.html |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |website=sun-sentinel.com}}{{Cite web |title=Surfside condo collapse death toll climbs to 94 |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/07/12/surfside-condo-collapse-death-toll-94/3611626107755/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712203045/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/07/12/surfside-condo-collapse-death-toll-94/3611626107755/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |website=UPI}} One more body was found on July 13, bringing the count to 95.{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2021 |title=Florida condo collapse death toll climbs to 95 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/surfside-florida-building-collapse-press-conference-watch-live-stream-today-2021-07-13/ |access-date=October 12, 2022 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}
On July 14, the number of missing was revised to 14. Another body was found, bringing the death toll to 96.{{Cite web |title=Florida condo collapse: Death toll rises to 96; 911 calls released |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/07/14/Surfside-condo-collapse-death-toll/3401626298057/ |access-date=October 12, 2022 |website=UPI |language=en}} On July 15, the total confirmed deaths rose to 97, of whom all but 7 had been positively identified. The number of missing persons was reduced to 8.{{Cite web |last=Constantino |first=Annika Kim |date=July 15, 2021 |title=Death toll rises to 97 in Surfside condo collapse; judge approves sale of site |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/15/death-toll-rises-to-97-in-surfside-condo-collapse-judge-approves-sale-of-site.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715190237/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/15/death-toll-rises-to-97-in-surfside-condo-collapse-judge-approves-sale-of-site.html |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |access-date=July 16, 2021 |website=CNBC}} On July 17, authorities positively identified 95 of the 97 recovered victims.{{Cite news |last=Miami-Dade County office of the Mayor |date=July 17, 2021 |title=Surfside building collapse update |url=https://www.miamidade.gov/releases/2021-07-17-mayor-surfside-update.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717233723/https://www.miamidade.gov/releases/2021-07-17-mayor-surfside-update.asp |archive-date=July 17, 2021 |access-date=July 17, 2021}}
On July 23, the Miami-Dade fire department left the area and discontinued the recovery effort. Three days later, the final missing person was identified, leaving the final death count at 98, and an unborn child.{{Cite web |date=July 26, 2021 |title=Condo building collapse last victim ID'd: family |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/family-last-victim-id-florida-condo-building-collapse |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726210724/https://www.foxnews.com/us/family-last-victim-id-florida-condo-building-collapse |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |website=Associated Press |language=en-US}}
Response
On June 25, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) assigned a team of scientists and engineers to investigate the collapse and, on June 30, it launched a full technical investigation that will take years to complete.{{Cite journal |date=June 30, 2021 |title=Champlain Towers South Collapse |url=https://www.nist.gov/disaster-failure-studies/champlain-towers-south-collapse |url-status=live |journal=NIST |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830184324/https://www.nist.gov/disaster-failure-studies/champlain-towers-south-collapse |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |accessdate=August 30, 2021}}{{Cite journal |date=June 30, 2021 |title=NIST Will Conduct Technical Investigation Into the Collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condominium |url=https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2021/06/nist-will-conduct-technical-investigation-collapse-champlain-towers-south |url-status=live |journal=NIST |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830184324/https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2021/06/nist-will-conduct-technical-investigation-collapse-champlain-towers-south |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |accessdate=August 30, 2021}} On the following day, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava ordered an immediate audit of all high-rise buildings in Miami-Dade County older than 40 years and taller than five stories, and all those built by the developer of the Champlain Towers condominium complex, to be completed within the next 30 days. The editorial board of the Miami Herald called for a grand jury investigation of the collapse. Miami-Dade County state attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle told the board, "Historically, this is the sort of thing grand jurors look at."{{Cite news |last=Editorial Board |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Condo dwellers are afraid. Grand jury should investigate Surfside collapse for long-term solutions |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article252365563.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628091557/https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article252365563.html |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}} The audit led to the immediate closure and evacuation of Crestview Towers, a 156-unit condominium building at North Miami Beach ({{cvt|7|mi|km}} away from Champlain Towers South), following the submission of a report dated January 2021 but not received by the city until July 2, which determined the structure was unsafe electrically and structurally.{{Cite news |last=Flores |first=Rosa |last2=Riess |first2=Rebekah |last3=Waldrop |first3=Theresa |date=July 2, 2021 |title=North Miami Beach orders immediate closure of condo building deemed unsafe |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/02/us/north-miami-crestview-condo-building-ordered-closed/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703011725/https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/02/us/north-miami-crestview-condo-building-ordered-closed/index.html |archive-date=July 3, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |publisher=CNN}}{{Cite news |last=Santana |first=Rebecca |date=July 2, 2021 |title=Florida condo building deemed unsafe, evacuation ordered |url=https://apnews.com/article/fl-state-wire-building-collapses-miami-florida-evacuations-c2f6b6efe50d3c5a87c4a97363fa8772 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703013009/https://apnews.com/article/fl-state-wire-building-collapses-miami-florida-evacuations-c2f6b6efe50d3c5a87c4a97363fa8772 |archive-date=July 3, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |publisher=Associated Press}} It also led to the closure of the historic Miami-Dade County Courthouse on July 9 after an engineer reported "safety concerns with various floors"; staff members were directed to work remotely.{{Cite news |last=Hanks |first=Douglas |last2=Ovalle |first2=David |date=July 9, 2021 |title=Downtown Miami civil courthouse 'temporarily evacuated' after building inspection |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article252693188.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712040748/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article252693188.html |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=July 11, 2021 |publisher=The Miami Herald}}{{Cite news |last=Andone |first=Dakin |date=July 10, 2021 |title=Historic Miami-Dade courthouse closed due to 'safety concerns' following condo collapse |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/10/us/miami-dade-county-courthouse-concerns/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711023729/https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/10/us/miami-dade-county-courthouse-concerns/index.html |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |access-date=July 11, 2021 |publisher=CNN}}
The town of Surfside announced on June 27 it had contracted with Allyn Kilsheimer, founder and chief executive of KCE Structural Engineers, to study the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South, assess the condition of adjacent and similar buildings, and provide geotechnical and original-design evaluations. The firm was involved in the forensic analysis of both the aftermath of the attack on the Pentagon during 9/11 and the Florida International University pedestrian bridge collapse in 2018.{{Cite news |last=Vassalo |first=Martin |last2=Goodhue |first2=Aaron |date=June 27, 2021 |title=Surfside hires engineer to consult on fatal condo collapse, check nearby buildings |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252405583.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628030745/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252405583.html |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}} Surfside mayor Charles Burkett said that the town government would locate every document, including all correspondence sent or received, related to the Champlain Towers South building and post it on its web site in the interest of public transparency.{{Cite news |last=Rahim |first=Zamira |last2=Wilkinson |first2=Peter |last3=Alfonso III |first3=Fernando |date=June 27, 2021 |title=Surfside mayor to release "every piece of correspondence" related to Champlain Towers condo |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-27-21-intl/h_8666b30240e331970e5e3c0f27a02213 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628030752/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-27-21-intl/h_8666b30240e331970e5e3c0f27a02213 |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |work=CNN}}
On July 5, The New York Times published an in-depth report saying that the collapse of Champlain Towers South prompted a review of hundreds of older high-rises in southeast Florida, as the management of other buildings "ignored or delayed action on serious maintenance issues". The article includes three annotated color-coded maps identifying buildings under scrutiny due to their date of construction and height.{{Cite news |last=LaForgia |first=Michael |last2=Playford |first2=Adams |last3=Gamio |first3=Lazaro |last4=Lutz |first4=Eleanor |date=July 4, 2021 |title=Lax Enforcement Let South Florida Towers Skirt Inspections for Years |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/04/us/south-florida-condo-maintenance-violations.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704235722/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/04/us/south-florida-condo-maintenance-violations.html |archive-date=July 4, 2021 |access-date=July 5, 2021 |work=The New York Times |location=New York}} The Times also reported that the chief building official in Surfside, Ross Prieto, had reassured residents in 2018 that the tower appeared to be in “good shape,” despite having been made aware of a report warning of critical damage to the building's structure.{{Cite news |last=Robles |first=Frances |date=July 1, 2021 |title=Collapse Wasn't First for Inspector Who Said Tower Seemed in 'Good Shape' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/01/us/ross-prieto-surfside.html |access-date=February 14, 2023 |work=The New York Times |location=New York}}
On July 14, the Miami-Dade Police Department released 911 calls from the collapsed Champlain Towers South.{{Cite web |title=911 calls from Surfside residents convey panic, disbelief in wake of collapse |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/911-calls-surfside-residents-convey-panic-disbelief-wake/story?id=78845607 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714235156/https://abcnews.go.com/US/911-calls-surfside-residents-convey-panic-disbelief-wake/story?id=78845607 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |publisher=ABC News}}
Aftermath
In what was termed a show of respect for victims and their families, the City of Miami Beach canceled its annual Fire on the Fourth festival, which was scheduled to be held blocks away at 72nd Street and Collins Avenue at the North Beach Bandshell. Other Independence Day events were canceled in the metro Miami area, both to show respect to those affected by the collapse and to avoid worsening an already bad traffic situation because of road closures and detours associated with rescue efforts in Surfside.{{Cite news |last=Ogle |first=Connie |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Miami Beach cancels July 4th fireworks, festivities after Surfside condo collapse |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/miami-com/miami-com-news/article252430423.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629150947/https://www.miamiherald.com/miami-com/miami-com-news/article252430423.html |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=June 29, 2021 |work=Miami Herald}}
= Removal of debris =
Some of the structural elements from the rubble were transported to a warehouse at an undisclosed location for analysis and testing. Additional debris, including concrete, personal belongings, and damaged cars from the parking garage, was transported to an empty field near the interchange of Interstate 95 and Florida's Turnpike (SR 91), approximately {{cvt|10|miles}} from the building collapse.{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Melanie |last2=Morejon |first2=Liane |date=June 30, 2021 |title=Rubble from Surfside condo brought to grassy field in Miami-Dade |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/06/30/rubble-from-surfside-condo-brought-to-grassy-field-in-miami-dade/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630185150/https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/06/30/rubble-from-surfside-condo-brought-to-grassy-field-in-miami-dade/ |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |access-date=July 4, 2021 |website=WPLG}}
= Redevelopment =
By July 7, with the emergency response only just transitioning from rescue to recovery, discussions were already underway about the future use of the site.{{Cite web |last=Cagnassola |first=Mary Ellen |date=July 12, 2021 |title=Surfside families, officials debate what to do with building site once debris cleared |url=https://www.newsweek.com/surfside-families-officials-debate-what-do-building-site-once-debris-cleared-1608999 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712210311/https://www.newsweek.com/surfside-families-officials-debate-what-do-building-site-once-debris-cleared-1608999 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |website=Newsweek}} Some called for it to become a memorial park rather than be redeveloped for housing.{{Cite news |last=Ovalle |first=David |last2=Sheinerman |first2=Marie-Rose |date=July 7, 2021 |title=Memorial park? As court weighs sale of Surfside property, debate starts over future of site |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252618788.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707174716/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252618788.html |archive-date=July 7, 2021 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |publisher=The Miami Herald}} On July 14, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman approved the sale of the property to developers, on the condition that proceeds be used to benefit the victims and their families.{{Cite web |last=Anderson, Curt |last2=Frisaro, Freida |last3=Sladsky, Lynne |date=July 14, 2021 |title=Surfside condo property approved for sale with proceeds intended to benefit victims |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/14/surfside-collapse-condo-site-approved-sale-proceeds-victims/7969734002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714204007/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/14/surfside-collapse-condo-site-approved-sale-proceeds-victims/7969734002/ |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=USA Today}}
The site of the collapse was sold in May 2022 for $120 million to Dubai-based developer Damac owned by billionaire Hussain Sajwani. Damac was the only bidder in the auction conducted by Avison Young, the commercial real estate firm appointed by the court. The new properties will be branded as Cavalli luxury residences.{{Cite web |date=May 21, 2022 |title=Damac's Hussain Sajwani takes 'Cavalli' luxury brand to Miami |url=https://gulfnews.com/business/property/damacs-hussain-sajwani-takes-cavalli-luxury-brand-to-miami-1.88027656 |access-date=June 4, 2022 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Dubai developer to buy Florida condo collapse site for $120M |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2022/05/21/dubai-developer-to-buy-florida-condo-collapse-site-for-120m/ |access-date=June 4, 2022 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}} Damac has proposed designs by Zaha Hadid Architects for the site.{{Cite news |last=Walton |first=Chris |date=June 13, 2023 |title=Designs released for the Zaha Hadid Architects–designed condo building planned for the site of the Surfside collapse |url=https://www.archpaper.com/2023/06/designs-released-zaha-hadid-architects-designed-condo-building-planned-site-surfside-collapse/ |access-date=June 21, 2023 |publisher=The Architect's Newspaper}}
= Legal action =
On June 24, 2021, the day of the collapse, a lawsuit was filed in Miami Dade Circuit Court by a resident of the building against the Champlain Towers South Condominium Association, seeking $5 million in damages "due to defendant's acts and omissions and their failure to properly protect the lives and property of plaintiff and class members".{{Cite news |date=June 25, 2021 |title=1st Lawsuit Filed Against Champlain Towers After Partial Surfside Building Collapse |url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/lawsuit-filed-against-champlain-towers-following-partial-surfside-building-collapse/2480915/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626094052/https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/lawsuit-filed-against-champlain-towers-following-partial-surfside-building-collapse/2480915/ |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |work=WTVJ-TV (NBC 6 Miami)}}
On July 2, the Champlain Towers South condominium board issued a statement to the press following a judge's decision{{Cite web |last=Ovalle |first=David |date=July 2, 2021 |title=Surfside condo board agrees to hand financial decisions over to court-appointed receiver |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252527958.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702165101/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252527958.html |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 4, 2021 |website=Miami Herald}} directing a receiver to release emergency assistance funds to residents of the building. The full statement read:
{{blockquote|The surviving members of the Champlain Towers South Condominium Association board have concluded that, in the best interest of all concerned parties, an independent Receiver should be appointed to oversee the legal and claims process. The collapse of Champlain Towers South is an unspeakable tragedy that has devastated our community, our neighbors, and our friends. We are grieving and our hearts ache for those who have been lost and for their families. They have our deepest condolences. Our profound gratitude goes out to the emergency rescue personnel – professionals and volunteers alike – who have been working around the clock. We know that answers will take time as part of a comprehensive investigation and we will continue to work with city, state, local, and federal officials in their rescue efforts, and to understand the causes of this tragedy.{{Cite web |last=Nottingham |first=Shawn |date=July 2, 2021 |title=Champlain Towers South condo association releases statement following judge's order on emergency assistance funds |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-07-02-21/h_bc974c7ee83e6f4fb5f2fd9381aa4a6b |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702181510/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-07-02-21/h_bc974c7ee83e6f4fb5f2fd9381aa4a6b |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |publisher=CNN}}}}
On July 16, 2021, the trial court appointed class counsel, led by co-chair lead counsel Harley Tropin and Rachel Furst,{{Cite news |last=Bolado |first=Carolina |date=July 16, 2021 |title=Fla. Court Names Lead Attys In Surfside Condo Collapse Suits |url=https://www.law360.com/articles/1403304/fla-court-names-lead-attys-in-surfside-condo-collapse-suits |access-date=April 30, 2023 |work=Law360 |pages=1–2}} to represent two subclasses of victims – those who had lost family members or suffered a personal injury as a result of the collapse, and those who had suffered only an economic loss on account of the destruction of their apartment unit.
On August 16, 2021, class counsel filed an amended consolidated class action complaint on behalf of these classes of victims, naming only the Champlain Towers South Condominium Association as a defendant and alleging the Association's negligence in its failure to adequately maintain and repair the building.{{Cite news |last=Amacher |first=Ezra |date=August 18, 2021 |title=Surfside Collapse Victims File Consolidated Complaint Against Condo Association |url=https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2021/08/18/627776.htm |access-date=April 20, 2023 |work=Insurance Journal |pages=1–2}} After initial investigation into additional contributing causes of the collapse, on November 16, 2021, class counsel filed a second amended complaint, bringing a class action lawsuit against various entities responsible for the development, maintenance, and repair of the Champlain Towers South property and the neighboring development located at 8701 Collins Avenue, known as Eighty Seven Park.{{Cite news |last=Nehamas |first=Nicholas |last2=Weaver |first2=Jay |date=November 17, 2021 |title=Construction of luxury condo just feet away weakened frail Champlain Towers, lawsuit says |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article255872896.html#storylink=cpy |work=The Miami Herald |pages=1–5}} The named defendants were 8701 Collins Development, LLC; Terra Group, LLC; Terra World Investments, LLC; John Moriarty & Associates of Florida, Inc.; NV5, Inc.; DeSimone Consulting Engineers, LLC; Champlain Towers South Condominium Association, Inc.; Morabito Consultants, Inc.; and Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.{{Cite news |last=Nehamas |first=Nicholas |date=March 8, 2022 |title=Surfside collapse victims sue Eighty Seven Park condo association and construction firms |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/special-reports/surfside-investigation/article259163263.html |access-date=April 30, 2023 |work=The Miami Herald |pages=1–3}} The trial court denied motions to dismiss this class action complaint, and it was amended again on March 10, 2022, to add Stantec Architecture Inc.; Geosonics, Inc.; Florida Civil, Inc.; and 8701 Collins Avenue Condominium Association, Inc., as additional defendants.{{Cite news |last=Dinkova |first=Lidia |last2=Kallergis |first2=Katherine |date=March 8, 2022 |title=Eighty Seven Park condo association, construction firms added to Surfside collapse lawsuit |url=https://therealdeal.com/miami/2022/03/08/eighty-seven-park-condo-association-construction-firms-added-to-surfside-collapse-lawsuit/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 30, 2023 |work=The Real Deal}}
On June 23, 2022, one day before the 1 year anniversary of the collapse, a $1.02 billion settlement was approved by Judge Michael Hanzman for victims of the collapse.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Keith |date=June 23, 2022 |title=Judge approves $1B+ settlement for victims of Surfside condo collapse |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/judge-approves-billion-dollar-settlement-surfside-condo-collapse/ |access-date=July 9, 2022 |website=CBS News |language=en-US |location=Miami}} The defendants in the case and other targets that were never named as defendants chose to settle quickly to avoid long delays from litigation and exposure to liability.{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Chuck |last2=Lynch |first2=Jamiel |date=May 12, 2022 |title=Tentative settlement, valued at $997 million, reached with families of victims of Surfside condominium collapse |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/12/us/florida-surfside-condominium-collapse-settlement/index.html |website=CNN}} Roughly half the settlement amount came from a single company, Securitas AB, that was never named in the lawsuit, in relation to the on-duty security guard not triggering a building-wide alarm before she exited the building.{{Cite web |last=Milberg |first=Glenna |last2=Anwer |first2=Saira |date=June 22, 2022 |title=Surfside building collapse: Security company to pay most of $1B settlement, attorneys say |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2022/06/22/security-company-to-be-responsible-for-more-than-half-of-1b-settlement-attorneys-say/ |access-date=July 9, 2022 |website=WPLG |language=en}}
In the years after the collapse, insurance rates for condominiums in the area increased several-fold.{{Cite web |last=Harper |first=Mark |date=2023-12-02 |title='We do not have insurance. We have an insurance bill': Condos hit with 563% rate increase |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/not-insurance-insurance-bill-condos-101500766.html |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=USA Today}}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-21 |title=Police Respond to "Chaos" as Florida Condo Owners Outraged Over Insurance Fees |url=https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2023/08/21/736104.htm |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=insurancejournal.com}}{{Cite web |last=Walser |first=Adam |date=2023-09-21 |title=Some Florida condo owners may be hit with rising insurance and inspection costs |url=https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/price-of-paradise/some-florida-condo-owners-may-be-hit-with-rising-insurance-and-inspection-costs |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=abcactionnews.com}}
Possible causes
= Saltwater corrosion of rebar =
A 2018 inspection performed by the engineering firm Morabito Consultants pointed out a "major error" in the construction of the pool deck, whereby the waterproofing layer was not sloped. Rainwater that collected on the waterproofing therefore remained until it could evaporate. Over the years, the concrete slabs below the pool deck had been severely damaged by this water. The report noted the waterproofing below the pool deck was beyond its useful life and needed to be completely removed and replaced. The firm wrote that "failure to replace waterproofing in the near future will cause the extent of the concrete deterioration to expand exponentially", and that the repair would be "extremely expensive". The ceiling slabs of the parking garage, which sat below the pool deck, showed several sizable cracks and cases of exposed reinforcing bar or rebar from spalling.{{Cite report |url=https://www.townofsurfsidefl.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/town-clerk-documents/champlain-towers-south-public-records/8777-collins-ave---structural-field-survey-report.pdf?sfvrsn=882a1194_2 |title=Champlain Towers South Condominium Structural Field Survey Report |last=Morabito Consultants |date=October 8, 2018 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626082157/https://www.townofsurfsidefl.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/town-clerk-documents/champlain-towers-south-public-records/8777-collins-ave---structural-field-survey-report.pdf?sfvrsn=882a1194_2 |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |url-status=live}}
In October 2020, initial repairs around the pool could not be completed because, according to engineers, the deterioration had penetrated so deeply that repairs would have risked destabilizing that area.
On April 9, 2021, a letter to residents had outlined a $15-million remedial-works program, noting that concrete deterioration was accelerating and had become "much worse" since the 2018 report.{{Cite news |last=Nottingham |first=Shawn |last2=Lemos |first2=Gregory |date=June 29, 2021 |title=Letter sent months before deadly Florida collapse warned damage to condo building was accelerating |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/29/us/florida-building-collapse-letter/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629200934/https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/29/us/florida-building-collapse-letter/index.html |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=June 30, 2021 |work=CNN}} Although the roof repairs pursuant to the consultant's report were underway at the time of the collapse,{{Cite news |last=Bizios |first=E. |last2=Bush |first2=K. |last3=Pires |first3=R. |last4=Calloway |first4=E. |last5=Scheinthal |first5=A. |last6=McIntosh |first6=B. |last7=Branca |first7=S. |date=June 24, 2021 |title=At least 4 dead, 35 rescued and 159 unaccounted for after partial condo collapse in Surfside |url=https://wsvn.com/news/local/1-dead-35-rescued-and-99-unaccounted-for-after-partial-condo-collapse-in-surfside/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624231254/https://wsvn.com/news/local/1-dead-35-rescued-and-99-unaccounted-for-after-partial-condo-collapse-in-surfside/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=7 News Miami}} remedial concrete works had not yet begun.{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Mike |last2=Singhvi |first2=Anjali |last3=Mazzei |first3=Patricia |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Engineer Warned of 'Major Structural Damage' at Florida Condo Complex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/26/us/miami-building-collapse-investigation.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627004514/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/26/us/miami-building-collapse-investigation.html |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}
According to Surfside town commissioner Eliana Salzhauer, at the time of the disaster, the building had been undergoing inspection for its 40-year recertification, which typically takes one year to complete.{{Cite news |last=Fieldstadt |first=Elisha |last2=Talmazan |first2=Yuliya |title=At least 1 dead after high-rise condo building partially collapses near Miami Beach |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rescuers-rush-partial-building-collapse-miami-beach-n1272216 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624080428/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rescuers-rush-partial-building-collapse-miami-beach-n1272216 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=NBC News}} Morabito Consultants, the engineering firm who performed the 2018 inspection, were retained by the condominium association to perform the inspection for the condominium's 40-year recertification.{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Morabito Consultants Issues Statement on Building Collapse in Surfside, Fla. |url=https://morabitoconsultants.com/blog/morabito-consultants-issues-statement-on-building-collapse-in-surfside-fla/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721233244/https://morabitoconsultants.com/blog/morabito-consultants-issues-statement-on-building-collapse-in-surfside-fla/ |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |access-date=July 21, 2021 |website=Morabito Consultants}}
In addition to the freshwater infiltrations from the defectively constructed pool deck, a maintenance manager had reported a possible excessive ingress of salt water, which can cause more aggressive spalling.{{Cite web |last=Colarossi |first=Natalie |date=June 27, 2021 |title=Ex-maintenance manager for Surfside condo that collapsed recalls saltwater intrusion |url=https://www.newsweek.com/ex-maintenance-manager-surfside-condo-that-collapsed-recalls-saltwater-intrusion-1604508 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629225013/https://www.newsweek.com/ex-maintenance-manager-surfside-condo-that-collapsed-recalls-saltwater-intrusion-1604508 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=June 30, 2021 |website=Newsweek}}
= Water leaks =
On June 28, 2021, the Miami Herald published images from an anonymous pool contractor, who claimed that they showed portions of the pool equipment room, located next to the pool on the south side of the underground garage, just 36 hours before the collapse. According to that contractor, the images showed standing water, cracking concrete, and severely corroded rebar next to the pool.{{Cite web |last=Blaskey |first=Sarah |last2=Leibowitz |first2=Aaron |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Two days before condo collapse, a pool contractor photographed this damage in garage |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252421658.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628204719/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252421658.html |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |website=Miami Herald}}
On June 30, WLS-TV in Chicago publicized a bystander's video of water pouring into the parking garage from above near its entrance, and apparent concrete rubble lying on the floor, reportedly taken at 1:18 a.m., seven minutes before the north-central portion of the building collapsed.{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2021 |title=VIDEO: Tourist records water pouring from Florida condo, rubble moments before collapse |url=https://abc7chicago.com/florida-collapse-video-miami-condo-tiktok-before-collpase-champlain-tower-south/10847025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630185227/https://abc7chicago.com/florida-collapse-video-miami-condo-tiktok-before-collpase-champlain-tower-south/10847025/ |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |website=ABC7 Chicago}}{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Boris |date=July 1, 2021 |title=Video shows fallen debris and gushing water in the Surfside condo garage moments before collapse |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/30/us/surfside-condo-collapse-garage-video/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701031438/https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/30/us/surfside-condo-collapse-garage-video/index.html |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |website=CNN}}
File:Remains of the Collapsed Florida Surfside Condo (2021-10-04).jpg
= Inadequate construction =
On July 3, 2021, The New York Times reported that investigators had found less rebar than specified in the building's construction plans in its footing neck and starter columns. The report cautioned that some may have been dislodged in the collapse, and that reduction of rebar alone would not necessarily cause failure because steel requirements can change during the construction process, and designs often specify more than is strictly needed as a safety precaution.{{Cite news |last=Glanz |first=James |last2=Baker |first2=Mike |last3=Singhvi |first3=Anjali |date=July 3, 2021 |title=Condo Wreckage Hints at First Signs of Possible Construction Flaw |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/03/us/florida-condo-collapse-steel-rebar.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711040910/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/03/us/florida-condo-collapse-steel-rebar.html |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |access-date=July 11, 2021 |work=The New York Times}} Construction contractors using less rebar than required is a very common cause of structural failure. There is some evidence that proper inspections were not performed during and after construction.
On June 27, 2021, the Miami Herald reported on the consensus of six engineering experts it interviewed. Based on publicly available evidence, the experts believed that a structural column or concrete slab beneath the pool deck likely gave way, causing the deck to collapse into the garage below. This formed a crater beneath the bulky midsection of the tower, which then caved in. This is a type of progressive collapse, in which one structural part gives way, destabilizing and removing support from other parts, which in turn collapse and rapidly remove structural support. Evidence includes the report that moments before the building collapsed, a resident of a fourth-floor unit called her husband to say that a crater had appeared in the pool deck. She went missing in the collapse and was later found dead.{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2021 |title=Body of Colorado's Cassie Stratton, missing since Florida condo collapse, found in rubble |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2021/07/12/cassie-stratton-body-found-florida-condo-collapse/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121055418/https://www.denverpost.com/2021/07/12/cassie-stratton-body-found-florida-condo-collapse/ |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Blaskey |first=Sarah |last2=Al-Jamea |first2=Sohail |date=June 27, 2021 |title=See what experts say is the probable sequence of collapse at the Florida condo tower |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252396233.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627203824/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252396233.html |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |website=Miami Herald}} A surviving resident also stated that part of the pool deck and street-level parking area had collapsed into the parking garage minutes before the collapse.{{Cite news |last=Swaine |first=Jon |last2=Shammas |first2=Brittany |last3=Lee |first3=Joyce Sohyun |last4=Mirzar |first4=Atthar |last5=Brown |first5=Emma |last6=Brittain |first6=Amy |date=June 29, 2021 |title=Videos, images and interviews deepen questions about role of pool deck in condo collapse |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/video-images-and-interviews-deepen-questions-about-role-of-pool-deck-in-condo-collapse/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701111457/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/video-images-and-interviews-deepen-questions-about-role-of-pool-deck-in-condo-collapse/ |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |work=The Seattle Times}}
Corruption during construction has been cited by multiple local media sources as a potential contributing cause of the collapse.
= Subsidence =
Distinct from possible construction defects, an analysis of European Remote-Sensing Satellite data by Florida International University indicates that the building had been sinking during the 1990s at a significant rate of about {{cvt|2|mm|spell=in|sp=us}} per year. While 97 percent of Miami Beach had been stable, 1,555 of 18,949 points in Miami Beach had been sinking, at a rate of less than {{cvt|1|mm|spell=in|sp=us}} per year.{{Cite journal |last=Wdowinski |first=Shimon |last2=Oliver-Cabrera |first2=Talib |last3=Fiaschi |first3=Simone |date=April 22, 2020 |title=Land subsidence contribution to coastal flooding hazard in southeast Florida |url=https://piahs.copernicus.org/articles/382/207/2020 |url-status=live |journal=Proceedings of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences |publisher=Copernicus GmbH |volume=382 |pages=207–211 |bibcode=2020PIAHS.382..207W |doi=10.5194/piahs-382-207-2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625093301/https://piahs.copernicus.org/articles/382/207/2020/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |doi-access=free}} A building collapse due to sinking is likely only if parts are sinking at different rates, creating tensions that weaken the structure, known as differential settlement. The researchers noted that other overbuilt areas were sinking at a significantly faster rate, such as on the artificial islands in Biscayne Bay – up to {{cvt|3.8|mm|sp=us|2}} per year.{{Cite web |last=Barton |first=G. |last2=Bagenstose |first2=K. |last3=Beall |first3=P. |last4=Bajak |first4=A. |last5=Weise |first5=E. |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Collapsed Miami condo had been sinking into Earth as early as the 1990s, researchers say |url=https://news.yahoo.com/collapsed-miami-condo-sinking-earth-181026431.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624231254/https://news.yahoo.com/collapsed-miami-condo-sinking-earth-181026431.html |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=Yahoo! News}}{{Cite news |last=Minor |first=Tarik |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Researcher: High-rise that collapsed was sinking, due for recertification |url=https://www.news4jax.com/news/florida/2021/06/24/researcher-high-rise-that-collapsed-had-been-sinking-at-alarming-rate |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624214905/https://www.news4jax.com/news/florida/2021/06/24/researcher-high-rise-that-collapsed-had-been-sinking-at-alarming-rate/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=WJXT}}{{Cite news |last=Sachs |first=Sam |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Collapsed Florida condo building had been shifting since 1990s, geologist says |url=https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/ground-under-collapsed-florida-condo-had-been-shifting-since-1990s-geologist-says/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624214904/https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/ground-under-collapsed-florida-condo-had-been-shifting-since-1990s-geologist-says/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=WFLA |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Julian |first=Hana Levi |date=June 24, 2021 |title=20 Jews Among Missing Persons in Florida's Surfside Condo Building Collapse |url=https://www.jewishpress.com/news/us-news/florida/1-dead-after-12-story-florida-condo-building-collapses-near-miami/2021/06/24/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624124648/https://www.jewishpress.com/news/us-news/florida/1-dead-after-12-story-florida-condo-building-collapses-near-miami/2021/06/24/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |publisher=Jewish Press}}
= Damage caused by construction on adjacent site =
On June 28, 2021, The New York Times reported that the secretary of the resident-led association that managed Champlain Towers South contacted the town building department in early 2019{{Cite news |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Hope for Survivors Dwindles at Collapsed Condo Near Miami Beach as Rescuers Find More Bodies |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/06/27/us/building-collapse-miami-beach#surfside-condo-managers-feared-structural-impacts-from-construction-next-door |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628090529/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/06/27/us/building-collapse-miami-beach#surfside-condo-managers-feared-structural-impacts-from-construction-next-door |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US}} about resident concerns that their building's structural integrity was affected by the construction next door at the Eighty Seven Park condo development. The project broke ground in early 2016{{Cite news |date=January 18, 2016 |title=Eighty Seven Park Breaks Ground After Securing $91 Million Construction Financing |url=https://www.thenextmiami.com/eighty-seven-park-breaks-ground-after-securing-91-million-construction-financing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123030532/https://www.thenextmiami.com/eighty-seven-park-breaks-ground-after-securing-91-million-construction-financing/ |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=The Next Miami}} and was completed in late 2019.{{Cite news |title=Eighty Seven Park |url=https://www.miamicondoinvestments.com/eighty-seven-park-condos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122002301/https://www.miamicondoinvestments.com/eighty-seven-park-condos |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=Miami Condo Investments}} The Miami Herald also reported on the possible connection between the driving of sheet pilings during the construction of Eighty Seven Park and the collapse.{{Cite news |last=Blaskey |first=Sarah |last2=Nehamas |first2=Nicholas |last3=Conarck |first3=Ben |last4=Leibowitz |first4=Aaron |date=April 21, 2022 |title=[Bleep] that wall,' contractor said when vibrations near Surfside condo got 'too high' |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/special-reports/surfside-investigation/article260418037.html |access-date=April 30, 2023 |work=The Miami Herald |pages=1–5}} No known engineering records suggest a connection between Eighty Seven Park construction and any damage at Champlain Towers.
Impact
= Pulitzer Prize =
The collective 37-person staff of the Miami Herald received the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting for its investigative reporting of the collapse and its causes.{{Cite web |title=Miami Herald wins 2022 Pulitzer Prize |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article261254802.html |access-date=July 9, 2022 |website=Miami Herald}}
= Legislation =
The Florida counties of Miami-Dade and Broward had a system of 40 year structural inspections from the mid-1970s, created in response to the DEA building collapse of August 1974 that claimed the lives of seven DEA agents. In Broward County, the recertification scheme was introduced in 2005 and became operative in January 2006. Some structures were exempted from the mandatory inspection provision in both the counties. This included:
- Miami-Dade County: All single family homes sized 2000 sq. ft. or less and with ten or fewer number of occupants.{{Cite web |title=Recertification |url=https://www.miamidade.gov/global/economy/building/recertification.page |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=www.miamidade.gov |language=en}}
- Broward County: All single family homes sized less than 3500 sq. ft.[https://www.broward.org/CodeAppeals/Documents/40YBSI-INFO-Rev.6-15.pdf broward.org Code Appeals]
The Florida Legislature passed condo reform legislation in a May 2022 special session as Senate Bill 4-D, addressing issues highlighted in the aftermath of the Surfside collapse.{{Cite web |title=SB 4-D — Building Safety |url=https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/BillSummaries/2022D/html/2875 |access-date=June 26, 2023 |publisher=Florida Senate}} It was modeled on the 40 year recertification{{Cite web |last=Souffront |first=John |date=2022-12-15 |title=A Complete Guide To 40 Year Recertification For Condo Buildings |url=https://souffrontengineering.com/a-complete-guide-to-40-year-recertification-for-condo-buildings-miami-dade-and-broward/ |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=Souffront |language=en-US}} scheme.{{Cite web |date=2021-12-21 |title=2021: A Year To Remember - The Surfside Condo Collapse - CBS Miami |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/2021-surfside-condo-collapse/ |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} The bill creates a state-wide inspection program for condo buildings taller than three stories. Starting in 2025, the buildings will go through a milestone inspection certification process when reaching 30 years of age, or 25 years if the building is located within three miles of the coast, and will be inspected again every 10 years afterward. The inspection records must be posted online and shared with tenants, and condo associations will no longer be able to waive the requirement that they keep a reserve fund large enough to maintain the structural integrity of the building.{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Zac |last2=Delgado |first2=Jason |title=DeSantis signs condo reform bill — a response to Surfside building collapse — into law |url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/2022/05/25/florida-condo-collapse-leads-inspection-reform-bill-pass-surfside-miami/9916990002/ |access-date=August 8, 2022 |work=Tallahassee Democrat}}{{Cite news |last=Duerig |first=Molly |title=New building safety law means big changes for condo associations |url=https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2022/06/23/new-building-safety-law-means-big-changes-for-condo-associations |access-date=August 8, 2022 |work=Spectrum News |publisher=Charter Communications |language=en}}
Also called the 30 year recertification inspection law of Florida,{{Cite web |title=Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine |url=http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0500-0599/0553/Sections/0553.899.html#:~:text=If%20a%20building%20reaches%2030,performed%20before%20December%2031,%202025. |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=www.leg.state.fl.us}} the milestone inspection scheme includes the following:
- A 30-10 year recertification inspection for all buildings 3 stories or higher.
- A 25-10 year recertification inspection for all buildings 3 stories or higher built within three miles of coastline.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-27 |title=SPECIAL SESSION: Lawmakers Pass, Governor Signs, Mandatory Condo Inspection Bill |url=https://www.wqcs.org/2022-05-27/special-session-lawmakers-pass-governor-signs-condo-safety-bill |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=WQCS |language=en}}
Note: Buildings with Certificate of Occupancy{{Cite web |title=Certificate of Occupancy and Certificate of Use |url=https://www.miamidade.gov/global/economy/building/cert-of-occupancy.page |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=www.miamidade.gov |language=en}} issued on July 1, 1992 or before need to complete milestone inspection before December 31, 2024.
In June 2023, the Legislature passed an amendment to Senate Bill 4-D (2022). The amendment removes the 25-year requirement for milestone inspections for buildings within three miles of the coast and permits local jurisdictions to set the inspection requirement to 25 years versus 30 years. The bill also provided a building that reaches 30 years of age before December 31, 2024 to have a milestone inspection completed by the end of 2024.{{Cite web |title=CS/CS/SB 154: Condominium and Cooperative Associations |url=https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/BillSummaries/2023/html/3187 |access-date=June 26, 2023 |publisher=Florida Senate}}
= Puerto Rico =
After the collapse, the Puerto Rico Professional College of Engineers and Land Surveyors (Spanish: Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico, CIAPR) sought to convince the Puerto Rican government{{Efn|According to CIAPR Earthquakes Commission president Félix L. Rivera, CIAPR spoke to Puerto Rican legislators about this. However, in the news article, no date was given nor any links to legal documents concerning this.}} to legally adopt the International Property Maintenance Code of 2018 (IPMC 2018) and require periodic inspection and maintenance of buildings. CIAPR Earthquake Commission president Félix L. Rivera cited concerns that "many buildings [in Puerto Rico] are built on sandy terrain, in the maritime-land zone, exposed to water and corrosion."{{Cite web |last=Minelli Pérez |first=Sharon |date=July 16, 2021 |title=Ingenieros urgen a que el mantenimiento de edificios sea por ley |trans-title=Engineers Urge Building Maintenance Be Regulated by Law |url=https://www.elnuevodia.com/negocios/construccion/notas/ingenieros-urgen-a-que-el-mantenimiento-de-edificios-sea-por-ley/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808195330/https://www.elnuevodia.com/negocios/construccion/notas/ingenieros-urgen-a-que-el-mantenimiento-de-edificios-sea-por-ley/ |archive-date=August 8, 2021 |access-date=August 8, 2021 |website=El Nuevo Día |language=es}}
See also
Notes
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{{efn|name=dual|One dual British-American citizen is confirmed dead, tabulated in Casualties by nationality table under "United Kingdom".}}
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References
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External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20210624151746/https://www.champlainsouth.org//|Official website of Champlain Towers South}}, archived from [https://www.champlainsouth.org the original] on June 24, 2021
- [https://surfside.one/public-records-search/ Public records on the building from the Town of Surfside]
Category:2021 disasters in the United States
Category:2020s in Miami-Dade County, Florida
Category:Building and structure collapses in 2021
Category:Building and structure collapses in the United States
Category:Filmed deaths in the United States