Recovery crews won’t be able to access the remains of two construction workers tragically killed in the collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel until contractors in New Orleans are able to stabilize the building.
3 Construction Workers Killed, Dozens Injured When New Orleans Hotel Collapsed
The 18-story structure was still under construction at the corner of North Rampart and Canal streets, when the top six floors collapsed without warning on the morning of October 12th.
The disaster injured dozens of workers and left three dead. While the body of one man was recovered a day later, two others remain inside the dangerously unstable building.
During a Tuesday media briefing, New Orleans Fire Superintendent Tim McConnell said four contractors are now working with engineers on plans to stabilize the hotel. They’re expected to submit their final proposals on Friday.
There’s no timeline for when crews might be able to resume their search for the deceased workers, with McConnell warning that the stabilization process “could take some time.”
Road Closures Remain in Effect Around Hard Rock Hotel
In the meantime, roads around the Hard Rock Hotel will remain closed indefinitely, including:
- Canal Street in both directions from Roosevelt Way and Burgundy Street to the middle of the block between Rampart Street and Elk Place/Basin Street.
- Parts of South and North Rampart streets in both directions near the Hard Rock Hotel.
- Iberville Street from Burgundy Street to a half block north of North Rampart.
- Parts of Roosevelt Way and Burgundy Street near the collapsed hotel.
Several bus and streetcar lines have either altered or suspended operations, while numerous businesses in the vicinity have been unable to operate normally because of the catastrophe.
New Orleans Hotel Collapse Under Investigation
The exact cause of the Hard Rock Hotel collapse remains unknown. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the New Orleans Police Department are investigating the tragedy.
Video taken just days before the collapse appeared to show sagging concrete at the site, raising concerns that the developer might have been taking shortcuts during construction. Investigators have apparently obtained that video, along with blueprints and other evidence.
According to NOLA.com, the Hard Rock Hotel’s developer, 1031 Canal Street, is a consortium between Kailas Companies President Mohan Kailas, Citadel Builders President Denzel Clark, and All-Star Electric CEO Todd Trosclair. Kailas has a majority stake in the firm, while Citadel Builders is listed as the general contractor on the project. About 50 different subcontractors were also involved in the construction.
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