Philadelphia parking garage to be demolished after deadly collapse

PHILADELPHIA - A parking garage in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighborhood is expected to be demolished Friday after a partial collapse killed one worker and left two others missing and presumed dead. 

The backstory:

The collapse happened at about 2:17 p.m. Wednesday near 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue. 

Emergency crews responded to the scene and immediately rescued one worker, who later died at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. 

Two other workers were considered missing after the collapse, and later presumed dead after search and rescue efforts turned up no signs of life at the collapse scene. 

The workers have not yet been identified. 

"We want you to know that we indeed grieve their loss tonight, and we will continue to stand by shoulder-to-shoulder to support those families that have been directly impacted," said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker in a Thursday night press conference. 

All three victims were members of Ironworkers Local 401 and the Philadelphia building and construction trades. 

Search and rescue operators had been working around the clock at the garage, as technical specialists worked to stabilize the remainder of the garage and four highly trained search dogs scoured the scene. 

Parked announced Thursday night that their rescue efforts had transitioned to a recovery effort.  

The garage was under construction and owned by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. 

What's next:

A controlled demolition of the structure at 3000 Grays Ferry Ave is expected to begin Friday afternoon, according to the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. Officials warned residents to expect increased activity and noise in the area and advised nearby businesses and residents to avoid the scene and keep windows closed during the process.

The collapse centered around one of the garage's staircases and the remainder of the structure is expected to be demolished Friday as recovery efforts continue.

The collapse has impacted the local community, with streets closed from 29th Street to 33rd Street along Grays Ferry Avenue and the nearby shopping plaza remaining closed. 

Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel and First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford emphasized that safety is the top priority and urged residents to avoid the area.

The investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing, with local, state and federal agencies involved. 

"We will continue to investigate this garage collapse, and we will do it thoroughly and efficiently to learn all the relevant facts of this terrible tragedy," said Parker. Solicitor Rene Garcia added, "There are many agencies, local, state and federal, that are conducting investigations because now is the best time to preserve all evidence."

Rescue efforts led by the Philadelphia Fire Department are ongoing, with support from local and regional teams using robots, drones, and detection dogs. 

The Office of Emergency Management is coordinating the response and supporting residents and businesses affected by the collapse. 

Timeline:

A second crane with a wrecking ball is being brought in for the controlled demolition, which is expected to create loud noise and increased activity around the site. 

City officials ask residents and businesses to stay away from the area and keep windows closed during the process. 

The general contractor, HSC Builders and Construction Managers, is preparing the site for debris removal and the next phase of search and recovery. 

OSHA is leading the investigation into the cause of the collapse, with collaboration from state and local agencies. 

The city is working with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and other partners to keep the public informed. Residents in need of trauma support are encouraged to call 988 for assistance.

Officials said they will hold a community meeting and provide explanations as soon as more information is available.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has directed all flags across Philadelphia to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the ironworkers lost in the collapse. She asks the community to keep the families of the workers in their prayers.

What they're saying:

"When you see stuff like this happen it kind of reminds you you know just how dangerous it is what we do for a living," said an ironworker from Local 401.

"You developed a bond with these guys you’re out here every day in the heat in the cold and dangerous conditions and you’re working with them and even if you don’t know them we all have this common thread so even if you don’t know them very well they’re still your brother," said the ironworker. 

Construction workers gathered around an Iron Workers Local 401 flag hung on a large crane brought in for the demolition. 

Nearby homes and businesses have been advised to close their windows once demolition begins. 

Local perspective:

Shaqueil James, who lives in Grays Ferry, said, "They’re always so gentle the speak they want to interact with the dog the men that work at the site so it’s just sad to see they’re still in a position where they haven’t recovered those bodies yet it’s very sad to see that there’s loss of human life." 

Loreilys Mejias, also from Grays Ferry, said, "I didn’t know they were demolishing the building, so I’m glad that I masked up...that is really worst case scenario I’m really liked to the families. I’m really sorry this is happening." 

Condolence messages from labor unions in Philadelphia and across the country have been posted on social media. 

Iron Workers 401 shared on Instagram, "God bless the men and their families of my Local Ironworkers 401 during this sad and tragic event union strong my brothers and sisters." 

A fellow union member of Local 401, who asked not to be identified, stopped by the site to pay his respects and said he did not know the victims personally but emphasized the brotherhood of the trade. 

"Just to kind of just honor them you know they gave their lives in the trade so just a very sad unfortunate circumstance," said the ironworker.

Community impact and available resources 

The city’s Department of Commerce is offering emergency grants to businesses unable to open due to the collapse. 

Residents in need of counseling or trauma care can contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Office of Community Advocacy and Engagement at 215-686-0061 or DBHIDS at 988. 

The Philadelphia Health Department is monitoring air quality around the site and reports no pollution spikes so far. 

Residents can check air quality updates and set up notifications through BreathePhilly. 

Philadelphia