A tragic incident unfolded in Brooklyn last week as a 43-year-old worker lost his life in a partial building collapse. The victim, José Luis Moreno Ramírez, was killed when a concrete roof structure caved in at 3223 Quentin Road in the Marine Park area on Thursday morning, according to reports by ABC7NY. FDNY Chief Nocerino revealed that Ramírez was installing refrigeration units for a restaurant renovation when the five-inch-thick slab, spanning roughly 10 by 12 feet, gave way and fatally pinned him.
Despite being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, Ramírez's injuries proved too severe, and he was later pronounced dead. The building, under construction, was apparently undergoing demolition work at the time of the accident. The Department of Buildings (DOB) disclosed that no permits were filed for the work, a factor that is sure to complicate the ongoing investigation into the cause of the collapse. The DOB has since responded to the incident firmly, issuing a full vacate and stop work order, shutting off utilities, and proceeding to seal the building completely. In addition to these measures, several violations have been issued for the absence of a permit and failing to maintain the structure properly, as reported by News 12.
The loss of Ramírez has deeply affected the local community in what neighbors describe as an otherwise peaceful area. "It’s really crazy that this happened here in this community. Nothing ever goes on here," Dena Fischer, a Marine Park resident, told News 12. Fischer conveyed her condolences, saying, "I’m very sorry that that happened, and I hope that this person’s family can find some peace." The community is now mourning Ramírez, whose funeral arrangements are scheduled to take place on Wednesday night, offering an opportunity for loved ones and fellow residents to pay their respects.
The investigation by authorities is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as inspectors work to piece together exactly what caused the structure to so suddenly collapse and take with it the life of José Luis Moreno Ramírez.
