Federal investigators have revealed troubling findings in the probe of the partial collapse of a Florida condominium tower that resulted in the tragic loss of 98 lives three years ago. The investigation has uncovered numerous faulty support columns in the tenant garage beneath the Champlain Towers South, as well as in the adjoining pool deck. Tests conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology have shown that some of the steel-reinforced concrete columns were only half as strong as they should have been, with evidence of moderate to extreme corrosion further compromising their integrity.
Eye witness reports have been confirmed, indicating that the pool deck collapsed into the garage several minutes before the tower itself crumbled. The investigators emphasized that these findings are preliminary and subject to further testing before the final report is issued next year.
