PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — In a Thursday night press conference in Grays Ferry, Mayor Cherelle Parker said the two remaining missing people in a fatal parking garage collapse Wednesday are presumed deceased. It brings the number of deceased in the collapse up to three. One person was pronounced dead at the hospital after being rescued in the immediate aftermath of the collapse and two others were treated for injuries at the hospital and released.
"The city prays with them and their families tonight," said Parker.
Officials said all the deceased individuals and those injured were workers with the Ironworkers Local 401 union.
The mayor said four search dogs entered the site of the collapse Thursday and detected no signs of life, transitioning the operation to a recovery effort instead of a rescue.
According to city officials, the incident happened around 2:17 p.m. Wednesday at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia garage, currently under construction, on 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue.
According to initial findings, the accident happened as construction personnel were pre-casting concrete and placing roof segments.
"After placement, a pre-cast roof segment failed and fell to the level below, literally triggering a progressive collapse," Parker said on Wednesday night.
Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel said crews are still working to secure surrounding infrastructure and are building a crane and wrecking ball to begin the safe demolition of the remaining parking garage slated to start Friday morning. It's at that point, crews will be able to enter the site and recover the bodies of the two remaining victims. Officials said their families have been notified of their presumed passing.
"We will not stop until everyone is returned to their loved ones withe dignity, respect and honor," said Thiel.
The planned 1,000-car garage has been the subject of controversy, with neighbors and advocates protesting its construction and demanding CHOP pause construction and discuss the process with community members.
However, Shamar Pitts, a member of opposing neighborhood group Philly Thrive, expressed his sympathy for people injured in the collapse.
"This is horrible and my heart goes out to the workers who were harmed and injured and to their families," said Pitts.
Police said Grays Ferry Avenue is closed between 29th and 33rd streets, and cautioned drivers to find alternate routes. The Grays Ferry Shopping Center across the street will be closed during the demolition.
One person was pronounced dead and two others were injured after the collapse on Wednesday.
One person was pronounced dead and two others were injured after the collapse on Wednesday.
