At least 1 person has died, and 2 are missing after a parking garage collapsed in Philadelphia on Wednesday, April 8. As reported by People, the incident occurred at around 2:15pm local time in the Grays Ferry neighborhood of Philadelphia.
The garage was still in construction when it collapsed. Three people were rescued when emergency services arrived at the scene. One was taken to a hospital where they were tragically pronounced dead, whereas two were treated and later released.
The incident has caused a local shopping plaza as well as other stores to close abruptly.
Kurtis Carter, a witness to the incident, recounted the tragic event. "The floors was like, going like one by one as it was like, collapsing. And then there was a guy who was trapped underneath," he said.
Emergency services crews are still searching for two people who are still thought to be trapped under the rubble of the parking garage. However, local news outlets have reported that some of the workers at the garage may belong to a local union.
The Ironworkers Local 401 union in Philadelphia, according to their website, is "a proud chapter of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Ironworkers, affiliated with the AFL-CIO and the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council." They represent "highly skilled craftsmen throughout... Southeastern Pennsylvania."
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The Removal of the Debris at the Philadelphia Parking Garage Could Take Some Time
But, according to Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson, things might take a while. "We have to very carefully, emphatically, deconstruct this building for the safety of the people working on it, and ultimately for the safety of the first responders who will continue to search," he said.
Tributes have poured in from local figures. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said that "we will not give up on these individuals, and we will not rest until everyone is accounted for from this tragedy."
She also added that "We stand with every member of the Philadelphia building trades tonight... Under the leadership of Ryan Boyer, Business Manager for the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, and especially with Ironworkers Local 401."
This is an absolutely tragic incident. Rest in peace to the person who lost their life. We hope that the missing people are found safe and sound.
