In a recent government meeting, officials revisited the tragic Florida International University (FIU) Bridge collapse of 2018, which resulted in the loss of six lives. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an investigation that revealed significant design and construction flaws, which remain a critical focus for safety discussions.

Key points from the NTSB report highlighted that while the design was primarily the responsibility of Fig Bridge Engineers, MCM, the construction manager, failed to ensure the feasibility and safety of the designs during construction. The report indicated that MCM did not take appropriate action when significant structural cracks were observed prior to the collapse, raising serious concerns about their commitment to public safety.

Additionally, communication failures between MCM, the design firm, and FIU were identified as contributing factors to the disaster. The decision to keep the road open beneath the bridge during a critical stress test, despite visible cracking, has drawn scrutiny regarding the adequacy of safety measures in place at the time.

In the aftermath of the collapse, MCM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2019, citing over $500 million in liabilities. The company faced numerous lawsuits from the families of victims and injured parties, ultimately paying approximately $40 million in settlements.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the ongoing need for stringent safety protocols and accountability in construction practices to prevent similar tragedies in the future.