Recovery of two ironworkers’ bodies confirmed following CHOP garage collapse.

On April 8, 2023, a tragic incident occurred at the construction site of a new garage for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) when a seven-story structure partially collapsed. The ensuing disaster resulted in the deaths of three ironworkers. Following a controlled demolition of the facility, recovery efforts managed to locate the bodies of two of the trapped workers, identified as Matthew Kane and Mark Scott Jr., late on Sunday night. The Philadelphia Fire Department confirmed that the bodies were recovered early on Monday morning.

The collapse was caused when a precast concrete roof segment “failed,” allowing debris to crush Kane and Scott Jr., while a third worker, Stepan Shevchuk, was rescued from the wreckage the same day but later succumbed to his injuries in a local hospital. The Philadelphia Ironworkers Union Local 401 publicly mourned the loss of these individuals and emphasized the community’s support for their families during this challenging time.

In a gesture of respect, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced that flags on city-owned buildings would be lowered to half-staff until sunset on April 17 in honor of the deceased workers. Parker reached out to the members of the local ironworkers’ union, expressing solidarity and sympathy for their loss.

With the bodies recovered, the focus now shifts to the investigation phase concerning the causes of the structural failure. The city has tasked the City Solicitor’s Office and the Law Department with conducting an independent review of the collapse. This review will evaluate the relevant procedures of city agencies responsible for overseeing and licensing construction projects. The findings from this investigation, which is expected to be completed within 180 days, will assess whether existing oversight mechanisms should be improved to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The site of the collapse has been closed to the public, significantly impacting local businesses situated along Grays Ferry Avenue, including a grocery store, a post office, and a bank. In response to the community’s needs, the city organized a food drive aimed at aiding residents who have been affected by the closure. The Mayor’s Business Action Team is also working at local support centers to assist businesses in applying for emergency relief.

Mayor Parker emphasized the strength and resilience of the Philadelphia community, stating that it is during testing times like these that citizens show solidarity and support, working collectively to grieve and recover. As the investigation proceeds, the local community remains committed to ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated.