Worker dies after being pulled from rubble of building collapse in Bronzeville
CHICAGO (CBS)-- A worker has died after being trapped when a 141-year-old building collapsed in Bronzeville Thursday morning.
A large portion of the wall of a three-story building collapsed around 11 a.m. on Thursday morning in the 700 block of East Oakwood Boulevard. According to the Chicago Fire Department, a worker was trapped under the debris.
The worker was pulled out of the at least 3 to 5 feet of debris shortly before noon, and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in grave condition, according to the Fire Department. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office confirmed the man later was pronounced dead.
Worker still trapped EMS attempting to work. pic.twitter.com/nwFC3VUYzu
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) January 12, 2023
The building was under construction at the time of the collapse. Three workers were inside when part of the building came crashing down. CFD is investigating the cause of the collapse.
"They just said they were working and all of the sudden, the building just came down," said Deputy Fire Chief Shun T. Haynes. "How that happened, we have absolutely no idea at this time."
The city's Department of Buildings said a permit was issued on Sept. 6 for interior demolition only, but the work happening Thursday was "not in compliance with DOB approved plans for demolition."
Haynes said rescue crews were unable to use any equipment for fear it would cause vibration in the already unstable building. They were working, digging through the debris for almost 45 minutes.
"We're constantly concerned about a secondary collapse," Haynes said. "In order to get the debris away from the affected area as safely as possible, so yes it's a hand-by-hand operation."
CFD remain concerned about a secondary collapse.
A Department of Buildings demolition team was at the site removing any portion of the building that cannot be saved Thursday afternoon.
It's unclear what company the workers were at the building with.
Demolition crews were at the site Friday to clean up debris and parts of the building to prevent a second collapse.