2 dead, 1 missing, 18 transported to hospital after Hard Rock Hotel construction collapse

Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close 2 dead, 1 missing, 18 transported to hospital after Hard Rock Hotel construction collapse 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

Emergency officials have resumed search and rescue missions Sunday morning after a partial building collapsed at the Hard Rock Hotel construction site in New Orleans on Saturday.

Authorities said 112 people were working inside the building when the 18-story structure began to crumble.

According to emergency medical services officials, two people are dead, one person is missing and 18 have been taken to an area hospital for treatment. All of those individuals are in stable condition, and some have been discharged, an official said Saturday afternoon.

According to officials, the person who remains missing in the building is in an area that is unsafe to access at this time.

New Orleans Fire Department Superintendent Tim McConnell said one of the people who died was working on the building.

The body of the second person, who was initially reported missing, was located in the building, but has not been removed at this time due to safety concerns.

The NOFD said that a further collapse of the building is a strong possibility.

One crane arrived Saturday night to help support the building overnight and a second crane should arrive Sunday, according to NOFD.

NOLA Ready said the New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans EMS and the New Orleans Police Department responded to the structure collapse.

The city of New Orleans said the frame of the building is considered stable but is unsupported, therefore the situation is considered dangerous and mandatory evacuations have been issued.

Hard Rock International released the following statement regarding the collapse: "Citadel Builders LLC was contracted by Kailas Companies, owner of the project, to build the Hard Rock Hotel based on a brand licensing agreement with Hard Rock International, the future manager of the hotel. Hard Rock has had no involvement in the construction of the project.

"We want to extend our deepest sympathies to victims of this tragic accident and to their loved ones and friends."

1031 Canal Street issued the following statement regarding the building collapse:

“Our highest priority is the care and concern for the families involved. While there are many questions that are unanswerable at this juncture, our prayers and sympathies are with the good men and women who have been affected. We are hopeful that the thoughts and prayers throughout the community will help us through these initial days as we begin to work with local authorities and the General Contractor to identify the causes of the incident. We thank the first responders for their quick actions to assist those in need.”

Mayor LaToya Cantrell released the following statement regarding the building collapse on a construction site downtown:

“Today’s collapse was a tragedy, and our hearts break for the loss of life,” said Mayor Cantrell. “Our focus is on continuing to secure the site and to doing everything we can to support the families impacted as rescue efforts continue.

“All residents should continue to stay away from the area, and to heed the street closures and traffic warnings. We appreciate the public’s response and support, and we are praying for the victims and their families.”

