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Philadelphia Garage Collapse Shifts to Recovery With Demolition Planned

Investigators are probing a reported precast stair tower failure on the CHOP project.

Overview

  • City leaders shifted from rescue to recovery after Wednesday's seven-level garage collapse left one worker dead and two presumed dead.
  • Officials are preparing a controlled demolition so crews can safely enter the unstable site after search dogs and sensors found no signs of life.
  • Authorities said a precast roof segment in the stair tower failed during installation, which set off a progressive collapse through all seven levels.
  • Mayor Cherelle Parker said permits and inspections were current, with precast work requiring special inspections, and records list HSC Builders as contractor while HSC Construction says it is not involved.
  • All three affected workers are members of Ironworkers Local 401, nearby streets and a shopping center remain closed, and the CHOP employee garage project had drawn protests over traffic and pollution.