British family of three among missing in Miami building collapse

A pregnant British woman, her husband and their one-year-old daughter are reportedly missing among nearly 100 people who are still unaccounted for after an ocean front apartment block in Miami collapsed late Thursday (24) night.

According to a family member, Bhavna and Vishal Patel, along with daughter Aishani were staying at the 12-storey Champlain Towers South building when it was reduced to rubble.

A spokesperson for Miami-Dade Mayor’s office said so far four people have died from the building collapse.

As questions are being raised about the structural failings of the building, pleas being made to help locating the family.

On Thursday (24) night, Nicolette Brent, the UK’s Consul General in Miami visited the family reunification centre in Surfside and said her team was “ready to help any British nationals who may have been involved in this tragic incident.”

Miami-Dade mayor Daniella Levine Cava spoke with US president Joe Biden over telephone, after the collapse happened.

Biden said: "I say to the people of Florida, whatever help you want, that the federal government can provide, just ask us, we'll be there."

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the UK in America told The Telegraph: “We are working with the local authorities in Miami-Dade county to establish if any British nationals have been involved in the residential building collapse that took place earlier today."