Search and rescue mission underway in deadly parking garage collapse
Search and rescue mission underway in deadly parking garage collapse
MEREDITH DELISOFri, April 10, 2026 at 1:21 AM UTC
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Two people who were unaccounted for after a seven-story parking garage under construction partially collapsed on Wednesday are presumed dead, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said.
One other person who was rescued from scene died at a hospital on Wednesday after being critically injured in the collapse, officials said previously.
The announcement during a Thursday evening press conference came after search and rescue teams with federally certified canines combed through the site and "no signs of life were identified," Parker told reporters.
Matt Rourke/AP - PHOTO: First responders walk near a partially collapsed parking garage in Philadelphia, on April 9, 2026.
The search and rescue operation has shifted to a recovery operation, officials said.
Plans are underway to bring down the remaining structure in a controlled demolition on Friday, so crews can safely access the site and recover the victims.
Police have closed off a wide section of the neighborhood, including nearby streets and a shopping plaza, and are urging the public to avoid the area while work continues.
The one person who died and the two others who are presumed dead were all members of the Ironworkers Local 401 union, the mayor said.
Two others were rescued from the scene, according to Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson.
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The incident occurred around 2:17 p.m. Wednesday, officials said. A subcontractor was in the process of installing precast concrete floor decking and roof segments at the time, according to officials.
"After placement, a precast roof segment failed and fell to the level below, literally triggering a progressive collapse of connected sections across all seven levels," Parker said.
Matt Rourke/AP - PHOTO: First responders inspect a partially collapsed parking garage in Philadelphia, on April 9, 2026.
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The owner of the parking garage is the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the contractor for the project is based in Exton, Pennsylvania, according to Parker.
"We are prioritizing the safety of the construction workers at this time and working closely with the City of Philadelphia and our construction partners," the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia said in a statement.
Matt Rourke/AP - PHOTO: First responders gather near a partially collapsed parking garage in Philadelphia, on April 9, 2026.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said his administration offers those on the ground "our full support as they continue rescue efforts at the scene and support the families impacted."
Eight permits required for the construction were properly issued, and all inspections were up to date, according to Parker.
"The city will investigate this garage collapse thoroughly and efficiently to learn all of the relevant facts of this terrible tragedy," she said at an earlier press conference.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
