Equipment operator to be charged in building collapse
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PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Authorities in Philadelphia say a heavy equipment operator with a lengthy rap sheet was high on marijuana when a downtown building collapsed onto a thrift store, killing six people.
Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison says 42-year-old Sean Benschop will be charged with six counts each of involuntary manslaughter, risking a catastrophe, reckless endangerment and other offenses.
Authorities believe Benschop was using an excavator when the remains of the four-story building gave way and toppled onto an attached Salvation Army thrift store.
Benschop did not return telephone message seeking comment.
As the criminal investigation heated up, at least two survivors are suing the demolition contractor and building owner. The city, meanwhile, is promising to crack down on the demolition industry.