Three Workers Injured as Renovations Continue

A federal agency has determined that the collapse of an upper floor during renovations at the historic federal courthouse in Savannah, Georgia, was due to “insufficient support” provided by construction crews. The incident, which took place on April 11, resulted in injuries to three construction workers who fell when part of the courthouse’s third floor gave way.

The General Services Administration (GSA) issued a statement on Tuesday, announcing that the $75 million renovation project is currently on hold while crews clear debris and stabilize the affected area. “GSA’s initial evaluations indicate that the immediate failure was due to insufficient support beneath the third floor of a section of the building, and not the result of systemic structural issues,” the agency stated, noting that a full investigation is ongoing.

The Tomochichi Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, which opened in 1899, is situated on Wright Square in Savannah’s downtown historic district. Renovation work has been taking place for over a year, with completion expected in 2024. Fortunately, no courthouse personnel were inside at the time of the collapse.

Brasfield & Gorrie, the general contractor overseeing the courthouse upgrades, reported that the injured workers are recovering well and are expected to make a full recovery.