Gas leak explosion kills four people in apartment block

Yesterday a suspected gas leak in two apartment blocks in East Harlem, New York caused a huge explosion. The blast killed four people and so far 60 have been confirmed injured, but there may be more people still to find inside the buildings. 9 people are unaccounted for right now.

The inevitable fire that followed the gas explosion took 200 fire fighters to bring under control. And because the explosion happened so suddenly, there was no time to clear the area due to no warning. A gas leak had been reported, but only shortly before.

Such was the force of the blast, both buildings were reduced to rubble.


Source: USA Today

Unique, circular 19-storey St. Ann's Heritage Tower imploded

At the end of last month a rather unique building was imploded in Irondequoit, New York.

It was called the St. Ann's Heritage Tower and was 19 storey's high. 39 years ago it began life as an assisted living building with the occupants averaging 66 years in age. But that kept rising until the average was 88 and the nursing staff were all specialists in elderly care. Having to traverse 19 storeys didn't help with such an elderly set of "patients".

The implosion was carried out by Controlled Demolition Inc. A special approach was required due to the circular construction of the tower. The structure actually consisted of two parts: the central elevator shaft and the outer, reinforced concrete columns holding up the floors.

In total, 160 pounds of explosives were used to allow the building to fall mostly under gravity. The explosives were required to weaken it enough to do so.



Source: WHEC

Philip B. Schwab - a legend in the wrecking business

The New York Times has a gem of an article pointed out to us by Rob the Wrecher about Philip B. Schwab, the so-called legend of the wrecking business in New York City.

Schwab is now in his eighties, but has a colorful history in the demolition business. He domilshed the old Madison Square Garden and the original Yankee Stadium. He's also been prosecuted for 5 criminal cases, declared multiple bankruptcies, and had to start using bank accounts not in his name to stop the government from taking all his money.

It's a fascinating read for people in our industry, especially when you consider demolition still isn't regulated in NYC. As Schwab so eloquently puts it:

"In New York City, if you got the money and somebody is crazy enough to give you the job, you can take down the Empire State Building"

You can read the article over at The New York Times