2 Missing Workers Presumed Dead After Philadelphia Parking Garage Collapse

GRAYS FERRY, PA — Two missing construction workers are presumed dead after a Philadelphia parking garage partially collapsed earlier this week and killed their colleague, officials said Thursday night.

The multi-level garage under construction at 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue collapsed around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday with 25 workers inside.

A rescued worker was pronounced dead at the hospital later. In the days since, crews have been searching for the missing workers, trying to prevent further calamity as they look through the rubble of the unstable structure in the Grays Ferry neighborhood.

Both missing victims are presumed dead, bringing the incident's death toll to three people, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said Thursday night.

Related coverage:

• 1 Dead, 2 Missing After Controversial Parking Garage Collapses In Philadelphia
• Fatal PA Parking Garage Collapse: Search For Missing Paused

Four search dogs were deployed Thursday afternoon to search for signs of life in the wreckage. Search efforts have shifted to a recovery mission.

The garage will be demolished, beginning Friday morning, since the structure remains unstable.

"That decision-making point was unanimously approved by our incident commanders," Parker said at a news conference on the incident.

All three victims were members of Philadelphia's Ironworkers Local Union 401, Parker says. Their identities have not been released.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) was developing the 1,005-vehicle garage to expand employee parking. The project has faced intense opposition ever since it was proposed.

Critics have pointed to asthma risks for children and the nearby community from construction, increased traffic, the displacement of residents, and blight on the neighboring playground and residents. It's been cited by activists as an example of environmental injustice and institutional racism.

CHOP is taking questions and concerns about the facility. For inquiries, email graysferryproject@chop.edu, or call 267-426-2150 and leave a voicemail with your name and contact information.

The cause of the collapse is under investigation.

Significant road closures remain in effect as of Friday morning:

• Grays Ferry Avenue is closed from 34th Street to 28th Street. All intersections along this stretch are blocked. No pedestrians or vehicular traffic are allowed within the closed area.
• 28th Street and 34th Street are open to traffic.
• The shopping center in the closure area remains closed.