Partial Collapse of Multi-Story Parking Garage in New York
A partial catastrophe occurred at a private 15-story parking garage in White Plains, New York: part of the fifth floor collapsed onto the lower level, damaging several cars and blocking the exit for the remaining vehicles. According to estimates, approximately 600 cars remain inside as the building structure is deemed unstable for their immediate retrieval.
Incident Details
The collapse occurred on Wednesday morning on Hale Avenue, near the Westchester office tower. Concrete debris fell from the fifth floor, creating a breach in the center of the building. Aerial footage shows that at least several cars were crushed under the rubble. Fortunately, no one was injured, which Public Safety Commissioner David Chong explained by stating that the incident occurred after the morning rush hour.
Rescue and Stabilization Efforts
Units from various departments arrived at the scene, including a specialized search and rescue team from Yonkers. They were engaged in reinforcing the damaged sections of the building. However, due to the risk of further collapse, access to the cars for owners was restricted. The vehicle evacuation process is planned to be carried out in stages: removal of some cars, checking the structural stability, and repeating the cycle.
Consequences for Car Owners
Many people were left without transportation. One office worker, whose car was stuck on the fourth floor, said that his employer provided him with taxi vouchers and allowed him to work remotely until the situation is resolved. He hopes that information about the relocation of his car will be provided soon.
Possible Causes and Context
The exact cause of the collapse has not yet been determined, but it is known that the 50-year-old building was undergoing concrete structure restoration. This indicates possible issues with aging infrastructure that require attention from authorities and owners of similar facilities. Such incidents remind us of the importance of regular safety assessments and timely repairs, especially for structures that have been in operation for decades.
Further actions will depend on the investigation results and the condition of the building. Local residents and business owners will monitor developments, as the long-term closure of the parking garage could impact transportation accessibility in the area.