Miami-Dade prosecutor to ask grand jury to probe Surfside building collapse

A Miami-Dade prosecutor said she plans to ask a grand jury to investigate the Surfside, Fla., building collapse that has claimed at least 12 lives.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement on Tuesday that she will ask the grand jury to probe “what steps we can take to safeguard our residents without jeopardizing any scientific, public safety, or potential criminal investigations.”

“Our hearts and prayers are with every victim, family member, friend and co-worker who has been affected by this tragedy,” Fernandez Rundle said. “As your State Attorney, I assure you that my attorneys, staff and I are dedicated to ensuring that those who were lost will never be forgotten.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava (D) said in a news conference Tuesday afternoon that she is “very supportive” of the grand jury investigation.

“I have pledged my full cooperation as she moves forward,” Levine Cava said. “I will do — and my team will do — everything possible to aid them in their efforts to continue that investigation.”

Fernandez Rundle’s office has previously convened grand juries to investigate matters that are not criminal, such as for the safety of public housing communities.

The announcement comes as rescuers work nonstop in hopes of finding more people in the rubble. Levine Cava confirmed Tuesday evening that the death toll had reached 12, while the number of people still unaccounted for is 149.

A 30-day audit is currently underway of all buildings that are at least five stories and 40 years old.

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a nonregulatory agency within the Department of Commerce, has sent scientists and engineers to collect information that will determine if a deeper investigation is needed.