AT least six people have reportedly been killed after a newly-constructed bridge collapsed in Florida.
The 950-tonne pedestrian bridge over an eight-lane highway was erected on Saturday at Florida International University.
The collapse occurred at approximately 1.30pm local time (5.30pm GMT).
US Senator for Florida, Bill Nelson, told local media that he believed there were between six and 10 fatalities.
Official sources said only that there were ‘multiple victims’.
Senator Nelson added that the National Transportation Safety Board was launching an investigation into the collapse.
Paul Estopinan of Miami-Dade Fire & Rescue revealed they had found eight vehicles trapped under the bridge.
Reports claim the cars were stopped at a red light when the collapse occurred.
Chief Estopinan said eight people had been taken to hospital and that there were 100 fire fighters at the scene looking for ‘viable victims’.
In a statement, MCM, one of the companies involved in the bridge’s construction, said they would conduct an investigation into what went wrong.
They added: "Our family's thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.
The new University City Bridge, which was under construction, experienced a catastrophic collapse causing injuries and loss of life."