The building which collapsed near Miami, causing the death of several of its residents, suffered from "degradation" which "accelerated", alerted in April the president of the assembly of the co-owners of this building in Florida , in a letter unveiled this Tuesday by several American media.
Some $ 15 million worth of work was needed to bring the building that disappeared in a cloud of dust Thursday, according to an estimate from the condominium.
At least eleven people have died and 150 people are still missing after the dramatic collapse of the twelve-story Champlain Towers building six days ago and questions are growing over the causes of the tragedy.
Avoidable drama
According to a letter dated April 9, addressed to the assembly of co-owners by its president, the situation was worsening.
Since 2018, "the degradation of concrete has accelerated, the roof situation has worsened considerably," said Jean Wodnicki, president of the association of co-owners, in this letter.
A report on the condition of the building had noted as early as 2018 "major structural damage", as well as "cracks" in the basement of the building, according to documents released by the city of Surfside.
"The waterproofing under the edge of the swimming pool and the access road for vehicles (...) has exceeded its lifespan and must therefore be completely removed and replaced", wrote in this document the expert Frank Morabito, claiming repairs "within a reasonable time" without, however, raising the risk of collapse.
"There will be a thorough and complete investigation into the reasons that led to this tragedy," Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said Monday.
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Collapsed building in Florida: Authorities remain "hopeful" of finding survivors
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Collapsed building in Florida: The death toll rises to 11 dead and 150 missing, questions are piling up
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