New Details On Partial Ceiling Collapse At Stamford Train Station

STAMFORD, CT — After an investigation into the May 31 partial ceiling collapse at the Stamford Train Station, the Connecticut Department of Transportation has determined a cause.

According to an update from CTDOT, inspection engineers determined that several of the pin-drive concrete anchors connecting the suspending ceiling framing to the concrete floor above had pulled out, resulting in the ceiling failure.

CTDOT has since removed the remainder of the ceiling where the failure occurred and has installed a temporary plywood ceiling to separate the staircase from the escalators above. Handrails in a staircase that were damaged were also repaired, department spokesperson Shannon Burnham.

On May 31 at approximately 5:23 p.m., Stamford 911 dispatch received multiple calls regarding a partial ceiling collapse at the station, which occurred near an escalator that is currently being replaced by CTDOT, according to the city of Stamford.

One person sustained minor injuries unrelated to the collapse, and they were taken to Stamford Hospital.

Station Place was closed for several hours following the partial collapse. Train service was not interrupted.

Burnham noted that CTDOT and state building officials have reviewed the repairs. The Track 4 staircase tunnel reopened on the afternoon of June 12.

Additionally, as part of the inspection following the ceiling collapse, all suspended ceilings throughout the train station were inspected.

In one location, adjacent to the Track 4 platform elevator lobby to the concourse, a crack was observed in the cement plaster ceiling, Burnham said.

Temporary bracing was installed, and ceiling removal is being coordinated. All other ceilings in the train station that have similar construction did not show any signs of distress or defects in the anchorages, Burnham said.

"Out of an abundance of caution, CTDOT will remove all the ceilings with similar pin-drive concrete anchor connections," Burnham added. "This work is being coordinated to minimize impacts on the public and station operations over the coming weeks."