Cause Of Deadly 2023 NYC Parking Garage Collapse Revealed

NEW YORK CITY — The official cause of a parking garage collapse in Lower Manhattan that killed one person in 2023 has been revealed, according to a newly released report.

The April 18 parking garage collapse at 57 Ann St., that killed a 59-year-old manager and injured five other people, was caused by workers "improperly removing bricks and mortar from a load-bearing brick pier just below the third floor of the nearly 100-year-old building without implementing proper shoring." according to the New York City Department of Buildings.

The work was done without construction approvals or permits, officials said.

"It was further determined that this dangerous demolition work, in combination with additional contributing factors, including a flawed engineering assessment of a deteriorated brick pier, poor maintenance, and an apparent design and construction deficiencies during the original construction of the building, led to the collapse. The critical role of the unauthorized and dangerous demolition work performed on that brick pier in this tragic incident highlights the importance of strict compliance with the city’s construction regulations," Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo said in a statement.

The parking garage has since been demolished. The garage company, Little Man Parking, and its consultant, Experion Design Group, will not face charges from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.