Recovery operations have concluded at the site of the Grays Ferry parking garage collapse, where two missing Ironworkers were found early Monday following a controlled demolition, city officials said.
Mayor Cherelle Parker announced that crews began recovery efforts at 9 p.m. Sunday after demolition work stabilized the site. Members of the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Special Operations Command located and recovered the remains of the two workers in the early morning hours. Their identities will be released by the city’s Medical Examiner’s Office pending standard procedures.
“To the men and women of Local 401 and to every member of the Philadelphia Building Trades, let me say this: Philadelphia feels your pain, Philadelphia prays for you, and your city stands with you,” Parker said.
The mayor ordered flags on all city buildings lowered to half-staff through April 17 in honor of the victims.
Three people were killed when a seven-story garage came crashing down at around 2:15 p.m. on April 8 at the 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue construction site.
Parker said Precast Services Inc., a subcontractor with an office in Berks County, was installing concrete floor decking and roof segments that had been manufactured off-site at the time.
“After placement, a precast roof segment failed and fell to the level below, literally triggering a progressive collapse of connected sections across all seven levels,” the mayor said during an initial briefing last week.
She explained that the general contractor, Exton-based HSC Builders & Construction Manager, had acquired all eight required permits and had completed the proper inspections.
"We are deeply heartbroken by the tragic loss of our three team members," a spokesperson from Precast Services said in a statement. "We are offering our continued support to the families, as well as our entire team as we all grapple with this tragedy."
With emergency operations now concluded, the site will transition into the next phase of investigation, city officials said, adding that nearby roads will remain closed.
The mayor also signed an executive order directing the city’s Law Department to conduct an independent investigation into the collapse. The review will examine the cause of the structural failure and recommend potential reforms to how Philadelphia inspects, monitors and licenses construction projects. A final report is expected within 180 days.
City officials said more than a dozen agencies and organizations coordinated around the clock in response to the April 8 collapse. Emergency crews worked to stabilize the structure, protect nearby residents and businesses, and safely carry out demolition and recovery operations.
Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson described the response as “highly complex and dangerous,” requiring careful coordination to protect both workers and the public.
Officials also said the city has been supporting the surrounding neighborhood during the response. Over the weekend, agencies organized outreach efforts, including a food distribution event that served more than 300 families affected by nearby closures.
The Mayor’s Business Action Team will continue assisting impacted businesses at Dixon House, located at 1920 S. 20th Street, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help businesses apply for emergency relief through The Merchants Fund.
Parker said the city will form a special independent committee to review the findings of the investigation once the report is complete.
“This has been a heartbreaking tragedy for our city,” said Parker. "But Philadelphia shows up for one another in moments like these. We grieve together, we recover together, and we move forward together.”
Reporter Jack Tomczuk contributed to this report.
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