Manhattan Garage Collapse — What you Need to Know
Manhattan was shaken this week by the collapse of a large parking garage — here’s what you need to know:
- On Tuesday (April 18th), a parking garage collapsed in Lower Manhattan, killing one worker, and injuring seven others.
- As investigations are taking place, much of the surrounding area was closed Wednesday and remains under strict surveillance.
- The garage was first constructed in 1925 and was due for inspection this year. Contributing factors include the building’s integrity, as well as the number of cars on the roof deck.
The Ann Street Garage has been the subject of scrutiny from city inspectors for decades. Nearly two decades ago, city inspectors cited the property owner for failing to properly maintain the building. At the time of the inspection, “first-floor ceiling slab cracks” and “missing concrete covering steel beams” were noted.
According to the building’s Certificate of Occupancy from 1957 — far fewer cars should be allowed on the roof of the building than on the lower floors.
NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said, “There were over 50 cars parked on the roof. That is more than half of the total 90 cars believed to have been parked in the garage at the time of the collapse.” It has been considered that the sheer weight of the cars — nearly a quarter of a million pounds — could have been enough to trigger the collapse.
On Tuesday, the façade of the building buckled —and was in danger of falling into the street. Ultimately, just after 4PM, “A couple of floors of the concrete slab floors collapsed,” FDNY Chief of Operations John Esposito said at a press conference.
Victims of the Crash
As a result of the tumultuous crash, several parking attendants were injured, and one was killed. After two days of damage assessment, NYC officials formally identified the decedent as 59-year-old parking garage manager Willis Moore. It has been said that Moore was on his way out for the day.
According to the FDNY, Eight workers, including Willis Moore were inside the building at the time of the collapse. Overall, 6 of the workers were hospitalized but are now released and in stable condition. One worker declined medical attention.
With such a large crash, we are still aiming to achieve the full extent of the consequences. Several patrons of the garage have reported being shocked by the news. According to the NY Daily News, Jim Slattery — a Staten Island Engineer – went to visit his physician after parking in the Ann Street garage on Tuesday. “My wife’s calling, my friend’s calling me — because they know I’m down here” he said after he got to his appointment.
Due to the severity of the crash, firefighters, garage employees, patrons, and those nearby were exposed to the potential for injury for some time on Tuesday and Wednesday. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury as a result of the parking garage crash on Ann Street – you have options that you should know about.
Leav & Steinberg Can Help
Since the deadly collapse of this parking garage, Leav and Steinberg has been retained by one victim to support them throughout the litigation process. As the extent of damages becomes available, we are here to support the victims and their families.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to this tragic accident, you might be entitled to compensation.
To start your case, call us for a free consultation, and we’ll discuss your case and how you can recover from the hardships you’ve faced.
Resources:
https://abc7ny.com/parking-garage-collapse-nyc-pace-university-ann-st/13158954/
