The Daily

The Collapse of Champlain Towers

Jun 29, 2021
In this gripping discussion, Patricia Mazzei, the Miami bureau chief for The New York Times, sheds light on the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers. She reveals the alarming warnings from engineers prior to the disaster. Mazzei highlights the frantic rescue efforts amidst unstable debris and the emotional toll on families. The conversation dives into the structural neglect that led to the tragedy, as residents faced financial burdens for urgent repairs. This somber reflection uncovers a community's resilience amid unspeakable loss.
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ANECDOTE

Early Rescues

  • Rescuers quickly saved a boy whose hand was seen sticking out from the rubble.
  • They also rescued a mother and daughter who had fallen from the ninth floor to the fifth.
INSIGHT

Rescue Challenges

  • The nature of the collapse created an unstable pile of debris, hindering rescue efforts.
  • The hot, humid Miami weather, thunderstorms, and fires within the rubble further complicate rescue operations.
ANECDOTE

Searching for Voids

  • Rescuers tried tunneling through the parking garage, searching for voids where survivors might be.
  • They used specialized equipment to listen for signs of life, even briefly hearing a woman's voice.
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