Chinatown building collapse kills 1 construction worker, injures 3

A building collapsed in New York City’s Chinatown, killing one construction worker and injuring three, amNY reports.

The building collapsed on the afternoon of March 7. According to amNY, first responders arrived at 126 Lafayette St. around 1:15 p.m. that day. They found that the wall of the building had collapsed onto one worker and caused another three to fall.

All four workers were rushed to Bellvue Hospital. The 64-year-old man who had been found under the collapsed wall died that same day. The other three workers are recovering from serious injuries.

According to amNY, the building had violated a number of city building codes. A demolition order was issued in January. The Department of Buildings also issued the worksite five violations in February.

Infrastructure in New York City’s Chinatown has long been in need of repair. Last week, the New York Fire Department ordered that a building in the neighborhood evacuate after fears that it would collapse. New York Governor Kathy Hochul awarded Chinatown $20 million in December to fund revitalization projects.

“This announcement marks a historic moment for Chinatown’s community,” Hochul said in a press release. “These critical investments will transform the neighborhood and create a more vibrant and inviting destination for locals and visitors alike, while enriching the neighborhood by improving foot traffic, economic and cultural activity.”