Florida attorney announces lawsuit in deadly bridge collapse
Investigation into a deadly pedestrian bridge collapse continues. The collapse occurred a few days after it was built over a busy Miami street to reach Florida International University. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
MIAMI (FOX 13) - An Orlando lawyer announced the filing of the first lawsuit following the deadly bridge collapse that killed six people, and injuring about a dozen others.
Matt Morgan, of Morgan & Morgan, tweeted the announcement on Sunday, writing:
I will be filing the first civil lawsuit related to the #FIUBridgeCollapse tomorrow morning. It is imperative we act quickly to secure critical documentation & data. Thoughts & prayers to all the families impacted by this tragedy. #FIUbridge
Morgan is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday at 1:30 p.m.
On Friday evening, the Florida Department of Transportation revealed a voicemail was left on the answering machine of one of their employees on Wednesday, the day before the newly-erected pedestrian bridge collapsed.
The message, left by the project's lead engineer, indicated there was a crack in the bridge, but the FDOT employee was out of the office until Friday.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, which is involved in the investigation of the crash, a crack is not indicative of a fatal flaw with a bridge. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also investigating.
Students return to classes on Monday after spring break. They plan to hold a moment of silence at 1:47 p.m., to honor the six people killed in the collapse of a pedestrian bridge that was supposed to be a campus showcase. It will be at the same time the bridge fell on Thursday.
Officials said 8th Street remains closed as an investigation into the collapse continues.
A vigil for the victims also is planned for Wednesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.