THIS is the incredible moment a little boy was rescued by firefighters from the rubble of a collapsed apartment building near Miami beach
Dozens are feared trapped under the rubble following the accident in Surfside which happened around 2am on Thursday.
Video footage shows crews rescuing a little boy to safety as they retrieved him from the wreckage.
The child is hoisted onto a firefighter’s shoulders as they carry him to safety.
It's not known if he suffered any injuries or required any medical treatment.
Other crew members are seen with flashlights as they search for survivors and victims.
What we know so far:
- At least one person has died and 10 have been injured after an apartment collapsed in Miami.
- A young boy was lifted out of the rubble by firefighters.
- It's not known what caused the accident.
- Witnesses said the impact of the collapse felt like a 'tornado'
- Authorities declared a Level 5 mass casualty event
The rescue operation is still ongoing as cops confirmed there are people trapped under the wreckage.
One person has been confirmed dead and 10 people were hospitalized after a portion of the Champlain Towers South apartment block collapsed to the ground.
Miami Dade authorities declared a "Level 5" mass casualty event meaning statewide emergency resources are required, according to reports.
The cause of the accident remains unknown and it's unclear if the portion of the apartment that collapsed was fully occupied.
Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett said roofing works had been going on for at least 30 days.
One witness, who was in a neighboring building, said the collapse felt like a "tornado or earthquake".
He told Fox News: "It was the craziest thing I ever heard in my life."
Witness Kimberly Morales told CNN that she was woken up by an alarm and residents knocking on her door.
Footage uploaded to social media appears to show debris falling from the ceiling of a resident's apartment.
It's reported that the building's foundations still continue to shake – hours after the accident happened.
Crews successfully managed to rescue some residents from their balconies but rescue teams have left the structure due to concerns over the integrity of the building.
Daniella Levine Cava, mayor of Miami-Dade County, tweeted: "My prayers are with all those impacted by this horrific tragedy and with their families.
"We are so grateful to @MiamiDadeFire, @MiamiBeachFire, and all the first responders on the scene – may they stay safe while working to save lives."
Miami Beach Police tweeted: "MBPD and @MiamiBeachFire are assisting the Town of Surfside at a partial building collapse located at 8777 Collins Avenue in Surfside, Florida.
"Multiple police and fire agencies from across Miami-Dade are assisting."
Champlain Towers was built in 1981 and has over 130 residences.
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