• 26
  • October
    2011

An ordinary morning turned to chaos late last month in Harlem, New York when the scaffolding surrounding a five-story building collapsed and landed on a city bus. Seventeen people suffered personal injuries in the accident.

The building was scheduled for demolition as part of the State of New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Preliminary investigations show that the accident was likely caused by bricks that came loose while work was being done on the building's chimney. The bricks apparently fell onto the scaffolding, causing it to fall.

According to a spokeswoman from the New York City Department of Buildings, the department had received a complaint about falling bricks at the demolition site about two weeks before the collapse. However, inspectors who were dispatched to the scene did not observe any problems.

The department issued six violations against the demolition company responsible for the collapse. The alleged violations include housing illegal mechanical equipment on site and following an improper course of demolition. Building demolitions are supposed to be done in a certain order to help ensure safety.

Witnesses Described Chaos, Fear

Following the collapse, pieces of the scaffolding rocketed through the rear windows of the bus carrying approximately 30 passengers. Passengers described the bus as being filled with smoke and debris, causing riders to panic as they tried to evacuate.

Nearly 25 people were underneath the scaffolding waiting for a bus when it collapsed. They reported a large boom followed by a wave of crashing brick and scrap metal. Most were able to flee, but some became trapped in the debris.

Under New York law, property owners have a duty to maintain a safe premises. Those who don't may be held civilly liable. An experienced New York premises liability attorney can help explain the law in New York and advise you of your rights and options.