Crews had to use a wrecking ball on Saturday to demolish sections of a Grays Ferry parking garage that had partially collapsed earlier in the week.
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday afternoon, leaving three dead, two injured and a further two still missing underneath the rubble. The demolition process is ongoing, with local residents concerned about the wider impact, with businesses forced to close for the duration.
Victims Identified as Local Ironworkers
The initial collapse happened at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, leaving three workers dead. They were named respectively as Mark Scott Jr, Matthew Kane and Stepan Shevchuk, with Kane described as an extraordinary father who was also a keen sports fan.
A GoFundMe has been created to contribute to the funeral expenses for Shevchuk, a Ukrainian immigrant who arrived in the US 11 years ago.
Scott Jr’s family has so far declined to comment. Two bodies remain underneath the rubble but two others were rescued on the day of the collapse and have since been sent home from hospital.
Methodical Demolition Process Prioritizes Worker Safety
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker spoke about the demolition work, describing it as a highly controlled and deliberate process in a bid to reassure the public, as well as the workers and their families. “It is designed to prevent any further instability in the structure and we want to ensure safety,” she added.
Managing Director Adam Thiel, meanwhile, stressed that safety remains the primary concern over speed. “When are we going to be done? We do not know, and we are not going to know. Safety will remain the primary consideration during this entire operation,” he said.
Recovery teams will only enter the site after it has been deemed safe enough, with two bodies still needing to be pulled out from the debris. For now, the structure is still too unstable.
Community Meeting Addresses Resident Concerns
As demolition work continued, Philadelphia city leaders met with residents less than a mile away at Vare Recreation Center to address safety concerns and the broader community impact of the deadly construction accident. Mayor Parker spoke with residents alongside the managing director and fire commissioner.
“We will follow every fact wherever it leads,” Parker said.
Managing Director Thiel recognised that the city has a responsibility to its citizens, adding: “We must take care of the surrounding communities and the neighborhoods, that’s our charge.”
Neighbors were given the chance to have their say, with the focus being on better communication and improved safety. The financial impacts of the demolition and the emergency response was also brought up, with the whole incident disrupting daily life in Grays Ferry. Roads have been closed and local businesses have had to close early.
Economic Impact on Local Workers and Businesses
Local resident Claudia Smith-Sherrod highlighted the financial hardship facing grocery store workers. “We understand this was an accident, but they still have to live. They have to take care of their families. They don’t have any paychecks coming in, the people in the market,” she said.
One neighbor spoke about the strain on residents — “the everyday people like me who live paycheck to paycheck” — while others demanded that the CHOP offered better communication and more clarity.
Residents and business owners also want more information regarding the future of the building site, as well as whether or not more damage could be inflicted by the current demolition process.
Local Leslie Harold asked: “Who will make sure they are informed of whatever process needs to be followed for them to be compensated in the event there’s any harm to their home.”
Investigation Continues as Search Efforts Resume
City Solicitor Renee Garcia has asked for patience and calm as authorities commence an investigation.
“We will leave no stone unturned. We will hold those who made mistakes or did something purposeful accountable. You can be assured of that. But it will be slow,” she said.
Roads are still closed, as is the nearby shopping center. Search dogs are also yet to find signs of life at the site of the collapse.
The city has commenced a food giveaway operation to help subdue any issues caused by supermarket closure. It will take place on Sunday at noon at D. Finnegan Playground.
