Miami Bridge Collapse: FIU Holds Moment Of Silence

MIAMI, FL — Florida International University President Mark B. Rosenberg said on Monday that the university is "still shaken to the core" following last week's collapse of a newly built pedestrian bridge. The university observed a moment of silence for the six people killed in the collapse at precisely 1:47 p.m. to coincide with the exact time the $14.2 million bridge fell on top of eight vehicles stopped at a traffic light. The last of the victims, still in their vehicles, were removed Saturday night.

"Today, as we reconvene classes, we grieve for the victims of the bridge collapse," said Rosenberg in a statement to the FIU community. "This tragedy hit home; we all had family and friends in the area," he said. "Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to the victims’ families and all those who are affected."

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For FIU's 54,000 students, Monday was the first day back on a regular schedule following spring break.

The first lawsuit related to the bridge collapse was filed Monday morning in Miami-Dade County by Orlando attorney Matt Morgan on behalf of Marquise Hepburn, who was riding his bike to work when the bridge failed, according to the Associated Press. Hepburn was struck by a vehicle as it attempted to get out of the way of the falling debris. Hepburn was thrown from his bicycle and suffered spinal injuries, his attorney said. He has since been discharged from the hospital.

A second lawsuit is expected from the family of Alberto Arias, who died in the collapse, according to a reportin Daily Business Review which said that the estimated damages from the collapse could reach $1 billion.

"We know this will be a difficult week," FIU's Rosenberg said. "We want to come together as a community to mourn, show the victims’ families our support and start on the path toward healing. Here are some moments where we will be able to do so."

Students were asked to participate in the moment of silence "wherever you are."

The following events were scheduled to take place throughout the week:

• On Tuesday, March 20, a blood drive will be conducted to support those who are still in the hospital from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Lot 33 (adjacent to the Graham Center Ballrooms).
• On Wednesday, at 10 a.m., the Student Government Association will hold a vigil for FIU student, Alexa Duran, and the five other victims in the Graham Center Ballrooms. This will be followed by a walk to a site that has been designated for flowers and other remembrances near the billboards located on Southwest 107th Avenue and 8th Street.

• Alexa Duran's sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, will also be hosting a remembrance event on Thursday evening.

"We are so grateful to the police officers, firefighters, emergency-room personnel, and other first responders, as well as the Red Cross who have been on-site since the incident occurred," Rosenberg added. "We can’t thank them enough for what they did."

Students, faculty and staff who feel affected by this tragedy can find resources here.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano