The death toll from the June 24 collapse of the Surfside, Florida condominium has climbed to 64, with 76 people still missing, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said at a Thursday evening briefing.
The latest: "Just based on the facts, there’s zero chance of survival," a fire department official told families of the missing, according to the New York Times.
Where it stands: On Thursday families of the victims were allowed to visit the cite of the collapsed condo, at their request. There they held a moment of silence and received an aerial salute by the Miami-Dade County Police Department, said Levine Cava.
- The transition from rescue to recovery began at midnight Wednesday, per Levine Cava.
- Miami-Dade Fire Rescue tweeted a video marking the tribute, saying: "With heavy hearts, we begin search & recovery efforts, and will continue to give our all as our commitment still remains to reunite families with their loved ones."
- The decision to move to recovery comes after rescue teams searched through new areas of rubble made accessible following the demolition of the remaining part of the building.
What they're saying: "At this point, we have truly exhausted every option available to us in the search and rescue mission. So today is about beginning the transition to recovery so that we can help to bring closure to the families who have been suffering and waiting for news," Levine Cava said....
- "Nothing we can do can bring back those we've lost, but we can and we will do everything in our power possible to identify all of the victims and to offer closure to the families