Passersby ran for their lives last week when tons of masonry rained down in a “hail of bricks” on the Upper East Side. The bricks fell from high up on a building along First Avenue and crashed to the sidewalk below. The partial building collapse in Manhattan could have led to a potentially deadly sidewalk accident but thankfully everyone in the danger zone was able to escape unscathed. However, at least one taxi cab was smashed by the falling debris.
The front of 360 E. 64th Street remains closed as workers concluded a “controlled dismantling” of the remaining portion of the building’s facade to prevent yet another accident. Department of Buildings Investigators are examining the scene to determine if any wrongdoing or negligence on the part of the building owner contributed to the near-deadly sidewalk accident in Manhattan.
So far the DOB has issued at least one citation at the jobsite and more may be levied pending the results of their investigation. The citation was actually issued for failing to safeguard a contractor who was there already working on another portion of the facade rather than for the collapse itself.
There has been much speculation about what caused the 10 foot by ten foot section of masonry to fall from the 32nd floor but Quality Building Construction (the company in charge of the current renovation) was quick to state that their company was not–and had not been–working on the side of the building from which the bricks fell. They also noted that they were called by the building’s owner to rectify deficiencies noted in the latest inspection. The company has been retained to help stabilize the remaining facade.
If you or a loved one has been injured in either a building collapse or a sidewalk accident in New York City, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Contact an expert New York City personal injury attorney immediately. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.