The investigation into the devastating 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium building in South Florida, which claimed the lives of 98 people, is expected to be completed by the fourth anniversary of the tragic event, according to federal officials.
The inquiry, led by the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST), is examining two dozen different scenarios that could explain the sudden failure of the 12-story building in Surfside, Florida, on June 24, 2021. Surfside is located north of Miami.
Glenn Bell, associate team lead of the Champlain Towers probe, emphasized that they have not ruled out any possibilities and are actively conducting tests and investigations. Most of the intensive work, including analyzing concrete core samples, assessing corrosion in reinforcing bars, and examining evidence of subpar construction in the 40-year-old building, will be completed by the spring of next year. The final report and recommendations are expected by June 2025.
Bell described the investigation as one of the most complex and challenging of its kind ever undertaken.
Attention has been focused on the pool deck, which investigators previously found to be non-compliant with original building codes and standards, with numerous areas showing severe strength deficiencies that likely contributed to the disaster. The pool area and the garage beneath it remain key areas of investigation due to their impact on the collapse sequence.
The interaction between the pool deck and the tower is crucial in understanding the collapse progression, according to Bell.
Investigations were also conducted beneath the building to explore the possibility of sinkholes, underground voids, or soil irregularities as contributing factors, although no evidence supporting these theories has been found.
The Champlain Towers investigative team lead, Judith Mitrani-Reiser, mentioned the recovery of 24 computer hard drives that may contain valuable video or other evidence shedding light on the events leading to the collapse. These hard drives, if they contain relevant information, could significantly aid the investigation.
A settlement exceeding $1 billion was approved by a judge last June for the victims of the Champlain Towers South collapse, considered one of the worst building failures in U.S. history. The settlement involves contributions from 37 different sources, including insurance companies, engineering firms, and a neighboring luxury condominium suspected of causing structural damage to Champlain Towers South. None of the parties involved admitted wrongdoing.
Plans are also underway for a permanent memorial to honor the victims of the tragedy.