The civil trial on the 2013 building collapse in Philadelphia has ended Wednesday, Feb. 8 with the $227 million settlement. The four-story building which was under demolition when collapsed crushing the market next to it, killing six people and injuring fourteen others
According to Philadelphia Inquirer, the 17 weeks trial is recored as the longest civil trial in the history of Philadelphia. It ended Wednesday after jury delivered the verdict ordering the three defendants to pay $227 million settlement.
The plaintiffs sued multiple defendants on the case of collapsed building in 2013, killing six people and injured fourteen others. The defendants are the building owners Richard Basciano, his architect Plato A. Marinakos Jr., and Salvation Army. Although Salvation Army lost its store and two employees during the incident, but jury decided they are also liable because ignoring the warning of potential collapse from the building next to its store.
"Our deepest sympathy remains with the victims and their families through this extremely difficult time,” Salvation Army said in the statement after the verdict.
Following the settlement, plaintiffs lead attorney Robert Mongeluzzi made a statement. He said as reported by NBC Philadelphia, the settlement is epic in dimension, fair and just. The settlement will be paid to the plaintiffs represented by Mongeluzzi and his legal team.
The incident happened on June 5, 2013 as the four-story unoccupied building was under demolition. The building was owned by Basciano, a New York real estate developer who hired a local construction company Griffin Campbell Construction to demolish the building. Next to the Basciano’s building was a one-story building owned by Salvation Army which operated a thrift store in the first floor and the basement.
The building collapsed at 10:43 am, crushing the Salvation Army thrift store which was jam-packed by visitors. Six people died while others trapped in the building. Watch the Associated Press report about press conference from Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter regarding the collapse of the building after the incident three years ago below:
