A massive rescue operation is underway after an apartment building close to Miami Beach collapsed in the early hours of this morning.

The ocean-front building, a twelve-story apartment complex called Champlain Towers South, has partially collapsed, fire rescue services have confirmed.

Neighbours say the building was mostly occupied but it is not known what caused the tower which was built in 1981 near 88th street and Collins Avenue in Surfside, Florida, to collapse.

There are fears that many people may be dead or remain trapped beneath the rubble at Champlain Towers South as a search-and-rescue operation by local authorities got underway.

One witness, who was staying in the south Florida island city with his family, was in a neighbouring building at the time and said the collapse sounded and felt like a tornado or earthquake, Fox News reported.

The witness claimed that much of the building was occupied at the time of the collapse, which he estimated to have occurred at around 1.20am.

He told the publication: 'It was the craziest thing I ever heard in my life.'

Shocking video footage showed a boy being pulled from the wreckage by firefighters as the huge search-and-rescue operation continued, according to NBC6.

At least two people and a firefighter have been taken to hospital but officials have not yet confirmed any details about potential casualties, according to local media.

Pictures and videos from the scene suggest a full section of the tower collapsed, which left huge piles of debris lying at the corner of Collins Avenue as a huge search-and-rescue operation is underway.

Witnesses claimed to have heard people screaming beneath the rubble during frantic efforts to free them from the wreckage of the building.

One witness told NBC News correspondent Sam Brock: 'They are able to rescue some people but I heard some screams.'

Freelance journalist Joel Franco, who was on the scene, claimed that the fire department had managed to rescue some people from their balconies.

He tweeted: 'MDFR [Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department] now rescuing people from the balcony.'

Mr Franco said the rescue operation was a 'multi-agency effort' as he claimed to have seen units from Pompano Beach Fire, Miami Fire, Davie Fire and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue at the scene.

#MDFR is on scene of a partial building collapse near 88 Street & Collins Avenue. Over 80 MDFR units including #TRT are on scene with assistance from municipal fire departments. Updates will be provided on Twitter as they become available.

Due to the partial building collapse near 88 Street & Collins, southbound traffic is being diverted west on 96 Street. Northbound traffic is being diverted at 85 & Collins Avenue.

Authorities have not yet provided any information on potential casualties as the situation is ongoing.

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. Please follow @MiamiDadeFire for updated information.

Champlain Towers South, which was built in 1981, is a modern apartment complex comprised of 136 residences spread across 12 floors, according to Miami Real Estate Trends.

LATEST: At least 1 dead after high-rise condo building partially collapses near Miami Beach.

• 35 occupants pulled from building, per Miami-Dade fire rescue

• 10 assessed and treated

• 2 transported to hospitals

• Search-and-rescue efforts ongoing

timesup234:
Shithole America always trying to hide their failures from the world. The building totally collapse watch the idiots deceive Africans by calling it partially collapse. America is a smelling shithole, anyone applying for a visa to go there need to get their head checked

Thank you to those who have responded to the tragic building collapse in Surfside. These first responders saved lives. The state has emergency response personnel on site and will assist in any way it can.

A family reunification center is set up at 9301 Collins Avenue. If you have loved ones who are unaccounted for or are safe, please call 305-614-1819 to account for them.

Ann and I are praying for everyone impacted by the terrible tragedy in Surfside and all of our brave first responders working search and rescue. I just spoke with @MiamiDadeFire Chief Alan Cominsky and @MDPD_Director to offer my support and any resources they may need.

Horrible images emerging the partial collapse of a condo building in #Surfside #Florida last night.

@MiamiDadeFire has one of the best urban search and rescue teams in the world & they have been on the scene for hours searching for victims & survivors.

Sending prayers for the rescue crews, first responders, residents, and all involved in this accident.

My heart breaks for those killed or injured in this building collapse and I’m praying for the Surfside community. Thank you to all the brave first responders who have been working through the night to save lives.

My prayers are with the residents of Champlain Towers, their families, and the first responders at this tragic scene who are saving lives.

aspabay:

Disasters happen everywhere, what the nations needs at such times is solidarity, not insult and abuse when it happens in Nigeria.

aspabay:
Happeningi in the great America.

Oya unpatriotic Nigerians, tie to use this to abuse your nations again.

aspabay:
Happeningi in the great America.

Oya unpatriotic Nigerians, tie to use this to abuse your nations again.

timesup234:
Shithole America always trying to hide their failures from the world. The building totally collapse watch the idiots deceive Africans by calling it partially collapse. America is a smelling shithole, anyone applying for a visa to go there need to get their head checked