The investigation into the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, continues four years after the tragedy that killed 98 people. The probe by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has already cost more than $40 million, making it more expensive and lengthier than previous investigations such as those into the Florida International University pedestrian bridge collapse in 2018 and the World Trade Center attacks in 2001.
Martin Langesfeld, who lost his sister and brother-in-law in the collapse, addressed Surfside commissioners on Tuesday. “It’s been four years, 98 dead. And there’s no answers and no accountability,” he said.
Earlier that day, NIST presented its preliminary findings. Evidence suggests that the collapse began at the pool deck, which started to give way at least seven minutes before the main structure fell. Investigators found that the pool deck’s design did not meet code requirements and slab reinforcements were not installed as designed. Glenn Bell from NIST explained that most construction joints lacked steel reinforcement dowels and many concrete “keys” were either missing or improperly built. This may have allowed water infiltration, leading to corrosion and cracking of reinforcements.
Investigators also highlighted several issues reported before the disaster. Hours prior to the collapse, a water leak intensified significantly in a manner seen in a widely circulated video showing water pouring into an underground garage. Weeks earlier, a gate between decks jammed; about a month before, a sliding glass door came off its tracks. The locations of these problems corresponded with areas where construction joints were improperly built.
NIST had initially planned to release its final report this year but now expects draft reports next year instead.
“We share the public’s desire to have answers,” said Judith Mitrani-Reiser of NIST, “and what we can do to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.”
NIST stated that from early on it recognized this investigation would be particularly complex due to “the lack of any obvious cause, such as a fire or plane crash.”
Family members expressed frustration over ongoing delays.
Langesfeld acknowledged that while thorough investigation is important for safety across Florida condominiums, accountability remains essential: “This tragedy requires criminal accountability. Who developed and constructed this building? Who approved this building? There are many potential parties that must be investigated,” he told town commissioners. “This was not a natural disaster, this was not a hurricane. This was a preventable human error.”
In other real estate news from Miami Beach:
– Developer Michael Shvo sold one development site close to its loan value while attempting to retain control over other properties.
– Former Apple CEO John Sculley sold an oceanfront Palm Beach estate for $37 million through Chestnut Park Holdings LLC.
– JDS Development Group’s Michael Stern and Terra’s David Martin acquired Bikini Hostel for $20 million as part of a larger $120 million waterfront development plan including Bay Garden Manor.
– A nearly 9,800-square-foot mansion at 1610 North Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach was listed for $65 million; it last sold for $25.5 million in 2019.
– Douglas Elliman agent Darin Tansey died recently at age 50; commercial broker Danny Zelonker died last month at age 75.
