Our thoughts are with the families and community of Surfside, Florida in the aftermath of the collapse of the Champlain Towers Condominiums.  As structural engineers, this event affects us deeply—both personally and professionally—as our life’s work is to ensure the safety of built structures.

It is too early to speculate on what might have happened. The first priority is to reach survivors and care for those lost and impacted. As the situation unfolds and additional information is available, structural engineers will be able to assess any contributing factors to the collapse.

The National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) offers its support to Florida so we may both  work together to understand the causes of the collapse and contribute to the discussion regarding how to avoid a tragedy like this again.

In the interim, we express our condolences to those impacted by this tragic event.

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Follow-Ups

July 1, 2021
“…As we move from surprise and shock, it’s now focused on learning from this, understanding the situation, and putting forward future programs.” NCSEA Spokesperson, Ken O’Dell, said in an interview regarding the condominium collapse in Surfside, FL. View here

June 26, 2021
As a nation, we wonder how a tragedy like the collapse of the Champlain Towers Condominiums in Surfside, Florida can happen. Structural engineers are ready to ask the hard questions to understand the causes. NCSEA leadership is monitoring the situation and available to assist as we seek understanding of the issues that affected this building. View on LinkedIn