On Wednesday, a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) parking garage under construction partially collapsed in Grays Ferry, killing one construction worker and possibly trapping others. The garage is under construction at 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue, across from the Grays Ferry Shopping Center. The collapse appears to have occurred in the stair tower.
One rescued construction worker was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he later died of his injuries, police said. Emergency responders are continuing to search for others believed to be trapped. It is not known how many may still be inside the structure.
According to the Philadelphia Fire Department, search-and-rescue efforts are a protracted operation. Firefighters from multiple squads, along with members of Pennsylvania Task Force 1, are working with building engineers and technical rescue experts to stabilize the structure to continue safe search operations. Workers from Philadelphia Gas Works, the Philadelphia Water Department, and SEPTA officials were also assisting stabilization and rescue efforts.
CHOP is constructing the seven-story garage to add parking for its expanding Roberts Center and Schuylkill Yards developments. Construction costs for the project are listed at over $32 million. The project has met with local controversy. Community groups have pushed back against the project, holding protests to halt construction in favor of a community center or clinic.
Officials have closed Grays Ferry Avenue from 29th to 33rd Streets. Residents are asked to stay clear of the area. McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC is a full-service personal injury law firm dedicated to helping injured clients seek justice. To schedule a free consultation, call today at 215-569-8488 or contact us online. We have offices in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, as well as Haddonfield, New Jersey, and Wilmington, Delaware. We proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.