Seven Life-Threatening Building Failures

The recent balcony collapses emphasize the serious consequences of ignoring construction safety.

5 MIN READ

Philadelphia Demolition Goes Bad

David Swanson

Parts of Philadelphia looked like a war zone after a vacant building being demolished collapsed onto a thrift store in 2013, killing six people and trapping more than a dozen under rubble.

The building collapsed onto the Salvation Army Thrift Store at 22nd and Market Street with an ominous rumble, witnesses told CNN. A crane operator on the scene was later charged with involuntary manslaughter for his recklessness.



About the Author

Jennifer Goodman

Jennifer Goodman is a former editor for BUILDER. She lives in the walkable urban neighborhood of Silver Spring, Md.

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