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A search and rescue mission is actively being conducted in Philadelphia after a parking garage partially collapsed on Thursday. This tragic event has resulted in at least one fatality and left two individuals missing, as confirmed by the city’s mayor.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker reported that the distressing incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon. The collapse took place while the garage was under construction near the intersection of 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue in South Philadelphia.
“Our first responders acted swiftly, and the search and rescue efforts are continuing. Tragically, one life has been lost, and two people are still unaccounted for,” Parker stated on X late Wednesday. “We remain committed to our mission and will not rest until everyone is found.”
The mayor emphasized that the area remains an active search and rescue site. Consequently, the immediate vicinity, including a shopping plaza and nearby stores, is temporarily closed. As of now, there is no specified timeline for reopening these areas.
The event, marked by the partial collapse of a Philadelphia parking garage, took place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (WTXF)
Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson said two other people were rescued at the site and treated at a nearby hospital, according to FOX 29 Philadelphia. He reportedly added that crews need to stabilize the parking garage before rescue efforts can continue.
The garage was under construction for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and officials said all seven levels of its stair system were impacted by the collapse, FOX 29 reported.
The station cited Parker as saying that eight permits were properly issued and all inspections were up to date, and that the collapse happened when a roof segment being installed by a subcontractor failed.
The garage was under construction for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a report said. (WTXF)
“Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is aware of a serious construction incident at our parking garage construction site on 3000 Grays Ferry Avenue in Philadelphia,” the organization told FOX 29. “We are prioritizing the safety of the construction workers at this time and working closely with the City of Philadelphia and our construction partners. We will share additional information as it becomes available.”
The identities of the deceased and missing were not immediately released.
“All of our prayers are with the family of the individual who has passed and the families of those we are still searching for tonight. I humbly ask all Philadelphians to join me in prayer for them,” Parker said on X.
Cracks are seen on the side of a parking garage in Philadelphia on Thursday, April 9, 2026, following a partial collapse the day before. (WTXF)
“Lori and I are praying for those injured in the parking garage that partially collapsed in Grays Ferry today, for the family of the individual who was tragically killed, and for the families who continue to wait while first responders search for their loved ones,” added Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who said his administration is in touch with officials on the ground in Philadelphia.