Feds cite contractors in Atlantic City casino garage collapse By JOHN CURRAN, AP
MARLTON, N.J. -- The deadly collapse of a 10-story Atlantic City casino parking garage last fall was blamed Thursday on contractors and inspectors who didn't adequately secure floors to walls, ignored warnings about cracking concrete and failed what one official called 'Engineering 101.'
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited four contractors for safety violations leading to the accident, in which the top five stories of the Tropicana Casino and Resort garage collapsed Oct. 30 during a concrete pour. Four men died and 20 were injured.
'This was a death trap and an accident waiting to happen,' said Robert J. Mongeluzzi, a Philadelphia attorney who represents two victims' families, after attending a briefing on the findings.
Concrete subcontractor Fabi Construction Inc. received six citations totaling $98,500. It was faulted for failing to erect formwork capable of supporting the loads above it, a 'willful' violation that OSHA said reflected intentional disregard _ or indifference to _ safety regulations.