Inspectors Comb Through Rubble
POSTED: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
UPDATED: 5:18 pm CDT April 15,
2009
HOUSTON -- Federal inspectors began combing through the scene of a fatal building collapse in southeast Houston, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday.
A two-story building under construction at 6311 Gulf Freeway near Griggs Road fell at about 4:15 p.m. Tuesday.
Houston firefighters said three people were trapped inside.
Crews were able to rescue two victims, who were found in empty spaces in the rubble. The third man, Ramiro Sigala, 24, did not make it out alive.
The collapse is being investigated by the Houston Fire Department, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department and the Houston Police Department.
OSHA investigators spent Wednesday morning talking to the injured workers.
Inspectors said they will look at the company's history, possible equipment failure and negligence.
Camden Builders' CEO said his company is helping the city engineer and OSHA with the review.
He said the trapped men all worked for subcontractor, Townhaven.
"OSHA would be able to determine if the company is in compliance, if they are not in compliance with rules and regulations, f any violations should be taken against the company," said Elizabeth Todd with OSHA.
If there are violations, the company could face fines.
Officials said the investigation could take three to four months to complete.
Workers said they were replacing some of the building's supports when it collapsed.
"I think they're very lucky because as structures come down, you don't know how they're going to fall and they just happened to be in the right spot and the way that the building pinned them -- that they were able to breathe," HFD Dist. Chief Richard Cole said.
The Brays Crossing building was being rehabbed to use as low-income apartments. Construction started last December and included a total of six buildings. It was scheduled to open next year.
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