Deadly CHOP parking garage collapse prompts community meeting

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- As crews began tearing down a partially collapsed parking garage near Grays Ferry Avenue, Philadelphia city leaders met with residents less than a mile away to address safety concerns and the broader community impact of a deadly construction accident.

A wrecking ball sent chunks of concrete crashing down from the damaged structure as demolition efforts got underway. The under-construction Children's Hospital of Philadelphia parking garage partially collapsed Wednesday while Ironworkers Local 401 members were working inside. One worker died at the hospital, two others were injured, and two more have remained trapped in the rubble for days as the city has worked to safely dismantle the structure.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker joined the fire commissioner and managing director at Vare Recreation Center to speak directly with residents from the Grays Ferry community affected by the collapse.

"We will follow every fact wherever it leads," Parker said.

Managing Director Adam Thiel emphasized the city's responsibility to nearby residents, saying, "We must take care of the surrounding communities and the neighborhoods that's our charge."

Neighbors gathered inside the recreation center gym raised concerns about safety, communication, and financial impacts tied to the ongoing emergency response and demolition. Some residents spoke about the strain on neighbors.

"The everyday people like me who live paycheck to paycheck," one neighbor said.

The collapse has disrupted daily life in the area, leading to road closures and shutting down nearby businesses, including the neighborhood's closest supermarket, The Fresh Grocer.

Claudia Smith-Sherrod, who lives nearby, said workers at the store are facing serious financial hardship. "We understand this was an accident, but they still have to live. They have to take care of their families. They don't have any paychecks coming in, the people in the market," she said.

Other residents said they want more direct communication from CHOP, clarity about the future of the site, and information about potential damage to surrounding homes caused by demolition activity.

"Who will make sure they are informed of whatever process needs to be followed for them to be compensated in the event there's any harm to their home," said Leslie Harold of Grays Ferry.

City officials said the meeting at Vare Recreation Center was the first of several planned and pledged to keep impacted residents informed throughout the process.

Gerald Boyd, a Grays Ferry resident, said he attended to help ensure neighbors understand what is happening. "I'm part of the Red Cross, and I wanted to make a difference, make sure everybody understands what's going on and they're being updated," Boyd said.

The city also announced a food giveaway for the community due to the supermarket closure. It is scheduled for Sunday at noon at D. Finnegan Playground, a short walk from the demolition site.