Criminal investigation underway in Bronx building collapse as demolition begins – New York Daily News

The local district attorneys office said Thursday that it had opened an investigation into the stunning Bronx building collapsethat displaced more than 100 people, though it remained unclear what caused the structural failure.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clarks spokesman, Eric Steltzer, said the prosecutors office was probing any possible criminality that may have led to the partial collapse of the seven-story structure in Morris Heights.

The brick building had been flagged for more than 100 violations, according to city records. But the Buildings Department said it had no record of any open violations related to structural issues at the time of the collapse.

On Monday, the corner of the 96-year-old building crumbled to the street, opening six levels to the frosty December elements. Ceilings on four levels sagged against the walls. At the bottom of the building, a mountain of debris poured onto the pavement.

Nobody died or was seriously injured.

The 47-unit building, located on Billingsley Terrace, is owned by 1915 Realty LLC. David Kleiner, the manager of the building, said by phone Thursday that he had no clue what caused the collapse.

The corner came down after extensive work on the building over the past few months that had nearly reached completion, Kleiner said. He said he has worked with the Red Cross to relocate residents, and has hired security to protect the tenants belongings.

Responding to the Bronx district attorneys investigation, Kleiner said, I dont think theres any criminality, but added, Theyre welcome to check.

It was in perfect condition it was just upgraded, he said of the building. Im very confident.

He declined to say how many buildings he manages in the city, abruptly hanging up when asked.

Richard Koenigsberg, an engineer previously hired by the buildings owner to inspect the property, deemed the building unsafe in reports he filed with the city in 2020 and 2021 after finding cracked brick, loose and damaged mortar, and other deficiencies.

Koenigsberg suggested Thursday that the collapse might have resulted from the failure of a first-floor column, but he deferred to the city officials probing the incident to determine the exact cause.

This could not have been anticipated, Koenigsberg said. This is not a common failure.

Engineers were beginning to demolish the collapsed section of the structure on Thursday. Fencing surrounded the block. At the base of the building, a yellow crane hummed.

Felix Vargas, the buildings superintendent, watched as officials carried out the demolition.

Thats my granddaughters jacket, he said of a pink baby jacket hanging from the door to a unit that was cleaved by the collapse. She is 2 years old.

I am not in a condition to talk right now, Vargas, 57, said as the crane neared the ripped corner of the building, and as his eyes teared up.

Twenty-six families including 79 adults and 22 children accepted temporary housing, according to New York Citys emergency management agency.

By Wednesday night, electricity was restored in some parts of the vacated building, according to the Buildings Department. Residents in the buildings south wing would be offered the opportunity to join an engineer to recover personal belongings on Thursday afternoon, the city said.

Demolition paused Thursday while residents headed into the building to recover belongings. Some shell-shocked residents had said earlier this week that they were worried about missing pets who had not made it out.

About 5 p.m., around 40 residents were waiting to get their belongings from the collapsed building.

I just want to get my passport and important documents, said Pedro Rodriguez, 66, as he held huge black plastic bags, adding that he was living with relatives nearby.

The biggest task is to now look for a new apartment, said Rodriguez, a 30-year resident of the building.

Theodore Parisienne for New York Daily News

David Maggiotto, a spokesman for the Buildings Department, said in a statement that the city would continue to provide the displaced tenants with housing assistance and would work with the landlords as they work to make the building safe for occupancy once again.

The building sits a block from a fire stationhouse, and the city said it responded to the collapse within two minutes on Monday.

The Buildings Department said it has informed the buildings owner that, after the demolition of the corner of the building, further actions must be taken to ensure the safety of the building. Ultimately, the department said, it would reassess whether residents can reoccupy sections of the building.

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Criminal investigation underway in Bronx building collapse as demolition begins - New York Daily News