Demolition crews have uncovered two missing bodies trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed Grays Ferry parking garage.
The discovery on Monday morning comes almost six days after the initial collapse, when one worker was pronounced dead within hours of rescue operations commencing.
Bodies After Weekend of Searching
Demolition crews had been brought to the site over the weekend in a bid to clear the debris and locate any missing bodies. The crews had to work carefully in case any more of the partially collapsed structure fell apart, causing more damage.
By Sunday night, crews had finally been able to enter the rubble with cadaver dogs and heavy equipment. Technical rescue teams were also on hand, resulting in the discovery of the two missing bodies.
As per reports, the discovery concludes the search, meaning a full investigation can now begin.
Delicate Demolition Operation
The search was made faster by the fact that the teams had a solid idea of where to look for the missing bodies. The search focused on a stairwell inside the garage, which has been described by experts as a feature unique enough to help condense the search area.
However, the operation required delicacy and technical expertise, with crews saying they had to “take it apart piece by piece.”
As the teams realised they were getting closer to the bodies, they began to use their bare hands, buckets and shovels to wade through the rubble.
Families and Workers Joined in Mourning
The discovery was tinged with poignancy at the Grays Ferry parking garage, with ironworkers lining up on Monday morning alongside family members to pay their respects.
The workers turned up at 5am wearing hard hats. They were seen hugging their colleagues before leaving.
One of the workers already confirmed dead at the site, Matthew Kane, was represented by his family, with his cousin describing him as an experienced worker and loving father, saying: “He was a good father, a good person and I’m going to miss him.” Kane’s cousin also told local press that Kane’s mom is “shaken.”
Mayor Responds
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker spoke about the need to continue the recovery job “with the utmost dignity, compassion and respect.”
She addressed the men and women of Local 401 directly, telling them that the city “feels your pain and prays for you,” adding that the city “stands with you.”
An independent investigation into the reasons behind the partial collapse has been ordered and signed off by the Mayor, with a report due in 6 months.
The Office of Emergency Management has been asked to collect materials from the site to use in the investigation.
Site Remains Closed
For now, businesses in the Grays Ferry Shopping Center have been asked to stay closed, a source of contention for local business owners who may be losing money.
Roads have also been closed while crews work at the site, which has been closed since the initial collapse last Wednesday.
No cause of death has yet been given for the victims.
