Queens Building Owner Speaks After Facade Collapse Injures Two Girls

Facade Collapse in Bellerose

• 💥 A significant portion of a building's facade collapsed on Wednesday afternoon in Bellerose, Queens, impacting five businesses, including a furniture store.
• 🤕 Three people were injured in the incident, notably two young girls aged 13 and 11, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Building Owner's Perspective

• 🏢 Joe Marino, the building owner for 11 years, stated that maintenance was up to date and that the building undergoes yearly inspections.
• ⚠️ Marino denied a June complaint that alleged the building lacked required updates.

Potential Causes and Inspections

• 🔍 The New York City Department of Buildings has been on-site surveying the damage, and engineers are assessing the situation.
• 🛠️ A contractor suggested that the parapet, the railing around the roof, may have needed further repairs, citing rust and leaks as potential contributing factors.
• 💨 Surveillance video captured a plume of dust at approximately 4:30 p.m. when the facade fell.

Support for Injured

• 🙏 Building owner Joe Marino expressed hope for the well-being of those injured and stated his commitment to supporting them.