Part of under-construction parking deck at Cleveland casino collapses

12/16/2011
ASSOCIATED PRESS

CLEVELAND — Authorities say part of the deck of the parking garage for the new Cleveland casino collapsed on Friday afternoon.

Cleveland Fire Department spokesman Larry Gray says the collapse occurred while workers were pouring concrete on the roof. He says all 52 construction workers have been accounted for.

The parking garage is across the street from the new casino, which is expected to open March 2012. A spokeswoman says the collapse isn’t expected to affect the opening date.

Gray says the scene has been blocked from pedestrians and motor traffic. Workers will not be allowed back until the site is deemed safe by the fire department.

Gray says there is no estimate as to the cost of the damage.

The casino’s owners issued a statement saying their investigation will begin immediately.