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Death toll in Florida building collapse rises to 46
Updated 22:32, 07-Jul-2021
CGTN
The remaining structure of the Champlain Towers South condo building is demolished more than a week after it partially collapsed, in Surfside, Florida, U.S., July 4, 2021. /AP

The remaining structure of the Champlain Towers South condo building is demolished more than a week after it partially collapsed, in Surfside, Florida, U.S., July 4, 2021. /AP

The confirmed death toll in the partial collapse of a 12-story residential building in Surfside, southeastern U.S. state Florida, has risen to 46 after the search and rescue team discovered 10 more victims in the rubble, local media reported on Wednesday. 

Demolition crews set off explosives late Sunday to bring down the partially collapsed condo building. Crews are now resuming their search and rescue mission to locate over 110 people believed to be missing under a wing of the Champlain Tower South that collapsed on June 24.

Rescuers are hoping the demolition will give them access for the first time to parts of the garage area that are a focus of interest. Once a new pathway into the initial rubble is secure, "we will go back to the debris pile, and we'll begin our search and rescue efforts," Miami-Dade Fire Chief Albert Cominsky said.

The decision to demolish the remnants of the Surfside building came after concerns mounted that the damaged structure was at risk of falling, endangering the crews below and preventing them from operating in some areas. 

Parts of the remaining building shifted on Thursday, prompting a 15-hour suspension in the work. An approaching storm also added urgency to the concerns.

No one has been found alive since the hours immediately after the collapse.

(With input from agencies)

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