At least one dead after New Orleans' Hard Rock Casino hotel collapses during construction
Rescuers search for three people missing after builders run to safety
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One person has died and three people are missing after a Hard Rock hotel building under construction suddenly collapsed.
Construction workers reportedly had to run for safety in New Orleans on Saturday as part of the building, which has been under construction for several months, came crashing down.
New Orleans Fire Department superintendent Tim McConnell said there has been one confirmed fatality, and people are still missing inside the building.
Authorities say 18 people were also taken to a hospital for treatment after being injured, but all were considered to be stable.
Mr McConnell said the upper six to eight floors of the building collapsed shortly after 9am.
The structure is still unstable and buildings in the area have been evacuated, he added.
It is not yet known what caused the collapse.
Witnesses described hearing a rumble and seeing a huge cloud of dust as the building came down, according to The New Orleans Advocate.
One worker told the newspaper that about 45 people were working inside the building, although this has not been confirmed by authorities.
The hotel was scheduled to open in the spring.
In a statement, Hard Rock International said: “We want to extend our deepest sympathies to victims of this tragic incident in New Orleans and to their loved ones and friends.
“Hard Rock has had no involvement in the construction of the project, but we are working with partners and local officials to take appropriate action if needed.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments