2 remain missing after deadly stairwell collapse at Grays Ferry parking garage

A search for a pair of workers who have gone missing following the deadly collapse of a seven story stairwell at a parking garage in Philly’s Grays Ferry section was still on hold as sunlight hit the rubble at the site early Thursday.

Officials said crews were awaiting a review of the building’s structural integrity before being able to continue the search.

On Thursday morning, workers at the nearby Grays Ferry Shopping Center were being turned away from work as, police told NBC10’s Neil Fischer that the businesses there were closed.

As of about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, officials said a search operation for the two missing workers remained on hold after all seven levels of a stairwell collapsed in a parking garage that was under construction as part of a plan to expand employee parking for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The collapse killed at least one person and injured two others, officials have said.

Officials said the collapse occurred after a concrete segment failed while it was being installed.

The garage’s construction has been a point of contention in the Grays Ferry community. Back in February, local residents protested the construction of the garage, claiming it would increase traffic congestion, harm the environment and affect public health.

However, after the collapse on Wednesday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said the building had all the needed inspections and the project had all eight required permits for construction — and they were all up to date.

In fact, NBC10’s Investigators took a look at HSC Builders & Construction Managers, the company tasked with this construction project, and did not find any major lawsuits or violations.

The property currently has no violations, either.

Officials did not immediately say when a search would resume for the two workers still missing in this collapse.

But, a group of local residents that are opposed to the project have told NBC10 that they intend to protest at the site on Thursday morning and will hold a vigil for the workers killed or injured in the collapse.

This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as new information becomes available.