Multi-story building partially collapses near Miami Beach, authorities say

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(MIAMI) — A multi-story building partially collapsed in southern Florida’s Miami-Dade County early Thursday morning, authorities said.

The building, which appears to be residential, is located in the small, beachside town of Surfside, about 6 miles north of Miami Beach. A massive search and rescue operation was underway before dawn, as crews carefully checked the wreckage and remaining structure for survivors. Footage from the scene showed firefighters pulling a boy from the rubble alive and rescuing other people from balconies.

The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said it has sent more than 80 units to the scene. Multiple police and fire departments from across Miami-Dade County have been deployed to assist, according to the Miami Beach Police Department.

Witnesses told Miami ABC affiliate WPLG-TV that more people are still trapped inside the building.

People in neighboring buildings have been evacuated to a nearby recreational center, one witness told ABC News.

Further details on the incident were not immediately available. It was unknown what caused the collapse and if there were any casualties.

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