City Provides Update on Response to Hotel Construction Collapse

Public safety agencies continued this morning to try to stabilize the Hard Rock Hotel construction site following Saturday’s collapse. The response, called LA Task Force 1 and led by the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD), is conducting search and rescue operations, including rescue dogs, cameras and other technology to attempt to locate the individual who remains unaccounted for.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell confirmed Wednesday morning that a DNA sample recovered at the site confirmed the death of a second worker. One other worker remains missing. NOFD Superintendent Tim McConnell said that the worker's chances of survival were nearly "zero" if rescuers don't report any signs of him. Barring any changes, the NOFD is preparing to transition from rescue to recovery mode later this evening. Mayor Cantrell met with family members of the victims at the recovery site this morning. 

Working with engineering experts from around the world — including those who worked on the response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks — the LA Task Force 1 is considering the best options for stabilizing the two cranes, both of which have been determined to be unstable. Sensors detected slight movement of the leaning crane Tuesday afternoon.

Weather is a concern in the response. Light rain and a slight increase in wind speed (15-20 miles per hour) affected the area Wednesday morning; a light rain had dissipated by noon. Tropical development in the Gulf of Mexico is possible, which could bring impacts to the area late this week and into the weekend. The LA Task Force 1 is in constant communication with the National Weather Service.

The evacuation area and street closures remain in place, and the public is asked to stay away from the site — which remains a dangerous area. Residents and businesses affected by the evacuation should call 3-1-1 with questions about vehicles, buildings and other resources.

The New Orleans Health Department (DOH), working with partner agencies, set up mental health services Tuesday at the Main Library. Heavy traffic was expected during the Wednesday morning commute, as several area schools resumed classes after various fall breaks and holidays. Residents are encouraged to help in reducing the number of vehicles in the area; the New Orleans Police Department is coordinating traffic control. Multiple City agencies and partners are working to provide housing for displaced residents.

The Office of Community and Economic Development is working to secure assistance from state and federal agencies to provide support for small businesses.

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority has relocated its Central Transit Hub to its headquarters at 2817 Canal St. RTA staff is on-site to help.

This weekend's special events — including Krewe of Boo, Reggae Fest (in Armstrong Park) and the 22nd Annual Komen New Orleans Race for the Cure — remain on schedule; Krewe of Boo will alter its route, bypassing Canal Street, and using Decatur Street as it makes its way into the Warehouse District.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

• General non-emergency information: 3-1-1
• Metropolitan Human Services District’s 24-hour crisis hotline: 504-568-3130
• RTA Ride Line: 504-248-3900.
• LA Workforce Development's emergency unemployment benefits: www.laworks.net
• For more updates, follow @nolaready on Twitter.