Grays Ferry parking garage collapse: 1 dead, 2 missing in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A construction site parking garage in Philadelphia’s Grays Ferry neighborhood partially collapsed, resulting in one confirmed fatality and leaving two individuals missing.

The incident took place Wednesday afternoon, shortly after 2 p.m., within the 3000 block of Grays Ferry Avenue.

SEE IT: Footage captures the moment a Philadelphia parking garage partially collapses

Upon arrival, emergency crews successfully rescued three individuals, as reported by Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson. One of the victims was transported to a local hospital where they later died. The other two received medical attention and were discharged.

Rescue teams are persistently searching for two additional individuals who are believed to be trapped beneath the wreckage.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker affirmed, “We will not abandon these individuals, and we will not cease our efforts until every person involved in this tragic event is accounted for.”

The names of those affected have not yet been disclosed. Action News has learned that at least some of the construction workers are members of the Ironworkers Local 401 union in Philadelphia.

Aerial footage from Drone 6 revealed a substantial pile of debris on one side of the edifice, alongside prominent cracks spanning a corner of the building. Emergency responders have concentrated their search on the lower levels of the garage, specifically within a stairwell.

Doorbell camera footage obtained by Action News captures the tragic event unfolding from several blocks away.

One eyewitness described the structure giving way floor by floor.

“The floors were collapsing one by one. And then there was a person trapped underneath,” recounted Kurtis Carter, a resident of Southwest Philadelphia.

Other witnesses initially believed they had experienced an earthquake.

“I was in the kitchen, and we heard what sounded like an explosion. We thought it was a storm, or a bomb… we weren’t sure what it was,” stated Andrew Martines of Grays Ferry. “My wife was upstairs; she heard screams and saw people fleeing. She witnessed a massive cloud of smoke. Our house was shaking.”

Details surrounding the collapse

Mayor Parker confirmed that the project required and obtained eight permits, all of which were properly issued, with all necessary inspections up-to-date.

She explained that Precast Services Inc., a subcontractor, was in the process of installing precast concrete floor decking and roof segments on Wednesday. During this operation, a precast roof segment failed, plummeting to the level below and initiating a cascading collapse through all seven connected levels.

Parker noted that the precast concrete elements were manufactured off-site and installed directly by the manufacturer.

“This particular procedure bypasses standard L&I inspection requirements. Instead, it falls under specific special inspections, which include regular checks for precast concrete installations. These inspections were entrusted to Valerie Moody of GAI Construction Monitoring Services,” Parker clarified.

Efforts underway to stabilize the structure

Officials have voiced concerns about the stability of the remaining structure, leading to road closures in the surrounding vicinity. Heavy machinery is anticipated to assist with clearing the debris.

Thompson emphasized that this operation may be time-consuming but reaffirmed his commitment to locating the missing individuals.

“We must proceed with extreme caution and precision in deconstructing this building, both for the safety of the workers involved and, critically, for the safety of the first responders who will continue their search,” Thompson stated.

This extensive undertaking is projected to last through Thursday.

Impacts on local traffic

Authorities are advising the public to steer clear of the affected area.

Deputy Commissioner John Stanford confirmed that Grays Ferry Avenue will remain closed between 29th and 33rd streets. Additionally, a nearby shopping center will be inaccessible until further notice.

“The overarching message is clear: please remain away from this site while crews conduct their essential work. Refrain from visiting to take photos or simply observe,” Stanford cautioned.

The project’s contentious past

The seven-story parking garage was under construction for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), intended to provide expanded parking facilities for its employees.

In a statement to Action News, CHOP said, “Our priority at this time is the safety of the construction workers. We are collaborating closely with the City of Philadelphia and our construction partners and will release further information as it becomes available.”

The project has previously faced opposition, including protests earlier this year. The protesting group raised concerns about potential increases in traffic congestion and adverse environmental health impacts.

While community members now voice heightened concerns, their thoughts on Wednesday evening remained with the families of those impacted.

“Even if they weren’t residents of 19146, they contributed to our community through their work. Therefore, they are an integral part of our community,” stated DeMorra Hawkins, a member of the No CHOP Garage Coalition, who had participated in previous protests at the site.

OSHA’s role in the investigation

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will spearhead the investigation into the collapse. OSHA personnel are already on-site, conducting interviews and initiating a thorough review of the construction activities.

Aidan Carickhoff, from the law firm Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky, explained, “OSHA and L&I will be examining whether any issues arose with either the prefabricated materials or the concrete pouring of the stair components themselves. They will meticulously analyze all pouring records and construction documentation to ensure that this aspect of the job was executed correctly.”

HSC Builders is listed as the general contractor on the permits. The firm specializes in large-scale projects, including facilities for life sciences and museums.

OSHA will assess whether the stairwell and other structural elements adhered to engineering specifications. The work performed by subcontractors and material suppliers will also undergo scrutiny.

For the immediate future, all construction activities have been suspended.

Carickhoff elaborated, “OSHA will halt all work to inspect the structural integrity of the building. Having been involved in numerous building collapse cases previously, the work cessation by OSHA and L&I is crucial to prevent further injuries at this construction site.”

Due to the agency’s current caseload, OSHA’s investigation is expected to span at least six months. A comprehensive written report, along with any issued citations or violations, will be made publicly available.