Despite the demolition of what was left of the condominium, the area of ​​the collapse in Miami is still a danger zone

At first glance, what was until a month ago the Champlain Tower on Surfside Beach in Miami-Dade County is now empty land. However, the four foundation walls of the building are still partially standing, and could be a danger to passers-by in the area, according to an expert.

Structural engineer Alyin Kilsheimer was hired by the Municipality of Surfside to investigate the causes of the collapse which claimed the lives of at least 96 people -more than two that are still missing-. While the engineer and his team are doing their research (the final results of which may take several months), part of their tasks is to warn the authorities of any possible risk. And that’s what they did.

According to a letter signed by Kilsheimer that was sent to authorities in Surfside and Miami-Dade County, in the current vacant lot, so called foundation walls: the four sides that framed the foundation of the building.

The engineer indicates that with these walls there, anyone walking in the area could be in danger.

“We think there is a situation Potentially dangerous where the walls can collapse. Essentially, at that point, those walls form something that would be like a giant tub on the floor. Of course, that wasn’t what they were designed to do. In the event that the surrounding land is saturated with rainwater, the situation could become dangerous “said the letter.

The text explains that when you open the vehicle traffic on Collins Avenue, something that could happen as early as this weekend, if there is a build-up of heavy weights, the walls can collapse at any time, endangering anyone walking in the area.

“If the walls break down, in the above situation, it will most likely happen in a explosion in a substantial extension of the length. This would put people inside the open hole, as well as those walking or driving in the area, at substantial risk, ”the long letter adds.

When the local press asked the expert what he recommended in this situation, he said that if the traffic reopens and there is no type of traffic restriction in the area, he would tell the cross the street, and not in front of where the Champlain Tower was.

“If the wall were to collapse or noticeably rotate in the basement, the soil retained under the street and the sidewalk could move with it, which could cause parts of the street to collapse and seriously compromise services. public below the street. loss of support “, explains the letter.

Local authorities have yet to comment on the warning from the leading specialist working on the collapse investigation. We know that the plan is to reopen car traffic, but we do not know whether it will be a total or partial reopening. Additionally, it is also unclear whether they will allow pedestrians to walk on the sidewalk. For the moment, the area continues to be fenced.

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