2003 Chicago balcony collapse

On June 29, 2003, the deadliest porch collapse in United States history occurred in Lincoln Park, Chicago.[1]

The balcony, the day after it collapsed

An overloaded balcony collapsed during a party in an apartment building, killing thirteen people and seriously injuring fifty-seven others. The city blamed the architecture and structure of the balcony. However, the building's owner continues to blame overcrowding on the balcony for its complete structural failure, although he has taken steps to strengthen the balconies at his properties to prevent a recurrence of the disaster.[2]

The accident resulted in sweeping inspections of similar structures across Chicago, with 1,260 cases being actioned by the city authorities.[3] It is the deadliest porch collapse in United States history.[4]

References
  1. I thought I'd die, says balcony collapse woman Archived 2007-09-29 at the Wayback Machine - BreakingNews.ie - Obtained March 30, 2007.
  2. City officials sue Chicago building owner over porch collapse - USA Today - Obtained March 30, 2007.
  3. City steps up porch checks in year since tragedy - Chicago Sun-Times - Obtained March 30, 2007.
  4. Chicago balcony collapse kills 12 - BBC News - Obtained March 30, 2007.
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