Newly-released bodycam video from first responders on the scene of the partial collapse of the 13-story, 136-unit Champlain Towers South condominium complex in Surfside reflect the chaos and confusion of the first 30 minutes following the collapse.
Among three videos released, each about 17 minutes long, first responders are seen arriving on the scene around 1:25 a.m. on June 24, unable to see clearly through dust.
Neighbors, the building’s nighttime security guard, the condo association president, residents who escaped the collapse, and someone who appears to be pleading for help finding someone he knows in the building, approach police, who appear to be kept at a distance by Miami Dade firefighters, who were attempting to cordon off the area.
First responders can be heard asking what happened and trying to determine which entity — police or firefighters — was in charge. A police officer said it appeared a roof had collapsed while a neighbor said the entire backside of the L-shaped building “was gone.” Residents on balconies appear to be calling for help, the video shows.
Cars can be seen in the collapsed hole in the parking garage and people can be heard screaming and crying in the background as the building’s security guard pleads for help getting people out.
Police dispatchers can be heard on radio transmissions talking about calls coming into 911 from residents saying they needed help getting out. Residents who escaped the collapsed building attempt to talk to police, who try to steer them away from the building out of fear of further collapse, the videos show.
In all 98 people died from the collapse. Officials have not yet determined the cause.
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