Miami-Dade Firefighter Seriously Injured In Elevator Fall

BAL HARBOUR, FL — A Miami-Dade County firefighter was seriously injured Tuesday when the firefighter fell several floors into an elevator shaft at Bal Harbour Shops while helping someone who was trapped in the elevator.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said the incident happened at 7:33 a.m. before the mall opened for business. The firefighter was identified as David Gonzalez, an 18-year-veteran of the agency.

"We know that he did suffer serious injuries due to a fall as he was trying to assist a person who was stuck in an elevator at the Bal Harbour Shops," explained the agency's Erika Benitez.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said Gonzalez was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center.

"Right now our main concern is obviously with our firefighter who is still undergoing surgery and with his family," Benitez said late Tuesday afternoon.

"This is a very difficult time for him, for his family and for everyone here in our department," Benitez added. "We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from fellow firefighters and other public safety agencies and members of the community who have reached out to us."

The mall is located at 9700 Collins Avenue in Bal Harbour.