One year ago, 98 people lost their lives during the tragic Champlain Towers South building collapse in Surfside on June 24, 2021. Most victims were asleep and unaware of what was happening when the 12-story structure collapsed.
The community put up signs honoring the names of people who died and a nearly $1 billion preliminary settlement was reached.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and National Construction Safety Team (NCST) are set to undertake intrusive testing and processing of physical evidence acquired from the collapse. The evidence, including structural components such as concrete columns from the collapsed and imploded parts of the building, has been kept safe at a Miami-Dade County warehouse. NCST scientists have meticulously cataloged and analyzed the materials, taken precise measurements and created 3D models for further examination.
The next phase of the inquiry will entail a testing program that will include the manipulation of evidence, core drilling and specimen cutting to obtain samples. This cannot be fully completed in the existing warehouse.
The property is set to go up for auction on May 24.
