NEW YORK – A Lower Manhattan parking garage collapse on Tuesday afternoon resulted in one fatality and at least five injuries, according to authorities. The incident occurred just after 4 p.m. on Ann Street, near Nassau Street, in the Financial District.
The collapse created chaos during the afternoon.
“I saw many people, crowds on the street, fire trucks, and police,” said witness Coby Yushanayev.
All six workers in the building during the collapse have been accounted for, as reported by authorities. Among them, one died, four were hospitalized in stable condition, and one declined medical treatment.
According to FDNY Chief of Fire Operations John Esposito, one person was trapped on the upper floors. Fortunately, he was conscious, alert, and calling us but unable to descend. We managed to get firefighters up there, move him across the roof to another building, and safely bring him down.
First responders saved five New Yorkers from the partially collapsed parking garage on Ann Street, between Nassau and William Streets. All were transported to the hospital.
A forensic engineer will determine the cause of the collapse. However, early findings indicate that the number of vehicles on the roof deck and the building’s age contributed to the disaster.
The roof fell onto the third floor, causing pressure on the facade and resulting in a complete pancake collapse.
“We observed a four-story building completely pancaked, collapsing to the cellar floor, as seen through a deployed drone,” said Acting Department of Buildings Commissioner Kazimir Vilenchik.
Vilenchik also mentioned that the building had active building violations that date back as far as 2003. An application filed in 2010 did not indicate that the violations were corrected, but it was submitted. The building had active permits, including one for electrical work.
“This operation was extremely dangerous for our firefighters. We responded to a building collapse call and conducted searches inside the building as it continued to collapse. We decided to remove all personnel from the building,” Esposito explained.
Due to the hazardous conditions, a robotic dog and drone were used to search for potentially trapped individuals.
“We have one confirmed fatality,” said Mayor Eric Adams. Adams stated that they were fortunate to have a robotic dog that could enter the unstable building to protect human rescuers from injury or death during a search. We also utilized drone technology to visualize the situation inside the building. The Mayor also stated that the structure was completely unstable and rescue crews would only be sent in after the building was secured. However, the technology provides a clear view of the building’s interior and helps determine if there are more victims.”
Esposito added that they deployed a robot dog and drones to assess the situation and conduct searches. “We believe all endangered workers have been accounted for and removed from the building. The structure is very unstable.”
“Nearly every floor has collapsed, and even the robot dog could not access every part of the building with someone trapped inside,” said City Councilmember Christopher Marte.
FDNY members are working at the collapse site, where one person has been confirmed dead, and five others were transported. Additional searches are underway.
A private company, contracted through the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, will eventually demolish the building while FDNY searches for any possible remains.
Though utilities are shut off, gasoline from cars inside the garage poses a concern. Firefighters remain on standby.
“The structure is highly unstable. The parking garage experienced several concrete slab floor collapses, crushing some cars inside,” Esposito stated.
One nearby resident took photos showing some of the damage caused by the collapse. Dismantling the structure is expected to take over a day, and extreme caution will be exercised throughout the process. Removing vehicles will be the first step.
Entering the garage is currently too dangerous for crews, so all work is being conducted from the exterior.
NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said there is “no reason to believe” this incident was anything but a structural collapse.
Several streets surrounding the Manhattan parking garage collapse were closed on Tuesday evening:
- Ann Street between Gold Street to Park Row.
- Nassau Street from John Street to Beekman Street.
- Dutch Street from John Street to Beekman Street.
- Gold Street from John Street to Beekman Street.
- William Street from John Street to Beekman Street.
The DOB has also issued a full vacate order for the following addresses:
- An 18-story hotel located at 49 Ann Street.
- A four-story building with four units located at 55 Ann Street.
- A six-story parking garage is located at 25-27 Beekman Street.
There is also a partial vacate order issued for 157 William Street, which is a 22-story commercial building that has 15 units, and a 34-story commercial building located at 29 Beekman Street.
Pace University, located nearby, evacuated two buildings and canceled all classes due to the collapse. The students were allowed to return to their residence hall on Tuesday night.
The Red Cross is on-site to assist those who have been displaced.
CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
If you or a loved one have been affected by the tragic parking garage collapse in Lower Manhattan, now is the time to take action. Parker Waichman LLP understands the devastating impact such an incident can have on individuals and their families. Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Do not hesitate to reach out to us today at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529). Our team is standing by to provide you with the support, guidance, and legal representation you need during this difficult time. We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the collapse and hold those responsible accountable for their negligence.
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