Death toll in Florida collapse rises to four, 159 people still unaccounted for

Officials say four people are dead and 159 are unaccounted for after the partial collapse of a beachside building in Florida.

Global Affairs Canada says they have received information suggesting Canadian citizens may be affected.

.@CHCHTV @CHCHNews International Affairs tells me that the Surfside condo collapse may have involved Canadians. “We have received preliminary reports indicating that Canadian citizens may be affected. No further information is available at this time.” #surfside

— Phil Perkins (@PhilPerkinsCHCH) June 25, 2021

Search and rescue teams are trying to detect any sounds coming from survivors of the collapse.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava says it’s “incredibly motivating” to watch the search and rescue teams risking their lives to find victims.

Crews have heard some tapping and other noises, but officials emphasized that the  rescuers don’t know whether the sounds are human-made or just caused by the settling of rubble.

They have been removing debris using heavy cranes.

At the same time, firefighters are tunneling from below to search for pockets in the rubble.