Seattle’s Pier 58 partially collapses, injuring two construction workers
Sep 13, 2020, 9:44 PM | Updated: Sep 14, 2020, 5:16 am
Seattle Fire crews responded to the Seattle waterfront. (Seattle Fire via Twitter)
(Seattle Fire via Twitter)
Two people were injured Sunday afternoon when parts of Pier 58 on the Seattle waterfront collapsed.
Medics and firefighters arrived to the scene on Alaskan Way around 4 p.m. where two construction workers had reportedly fallen into the water. The two men — a 30 and 42-year-old — were quickly pulled out before the fire department arrived. They were treated at the scene and transported to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition. As of Sunday evening, they remain “satisfactory.”
Mayor Jenny Durkan’s office said seven people were removing a concrete section of the pier, which has been closed to the public since August 6 for removal, when the collapse occurred. Safety protocols have been put into place for the construction work. All workers on the pier Sunday were wearing flotation devices, according to the mayor’s office.
The city reports there was no observable damage to neighboring Pier 59, where the Seattle Aquarium sits, nor at Pier 57, the location of Miner’s Landing. The seawall also does not appear to be damaged.
There is a incident on Alaskan Way between University St & Pike St blocking the northbound & southbound lanes. Seek alternative routes.
— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic)
The mayor’s office said Sunday that the city will continue removing Pier 58 as soon as it’s safe to do so, while understanding that the structure continues to be unstable. It will provide an update later this week.
Timeline of public safety at Pier 58, according to the City of Seattle:
- On August 6, Seattle Parks and Recreation staff were alerted to a possible shifting of Pier 58, confirmed that the pier had shifted several inches and immediately shut off public access, placing fencing and barricades to protect public safety.
- On August 14, Mayor Durkan approved the plan for emergency removal of Pier 58 and urged the public to respect barriers and stay away from Pier 58.
- On August 26, the City hired Orion Marine Contractors, Inc. to perform the emergency work and remove all of Pier 58, beginning as soon as possible. The barge for pier removal arrived on site on September 4 to begin salvage work ahead of pier removal.
- On September 11, due to accelerated deterioration of the pier, the City shared that they would work through the weekend, with plans to continue construction seven days a week, during daylight hours, until further notice. This work began yesterday.
