06/25/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, USA // Sandra Quinlan // Sandra Quinlan

Milwaukee, WI—A teenage boy was killed when a portion of the O’Donnell parking garage mysteriously collapsed Thursday, June 24, 2010. The parking structure has since been closed and will reportedly remain as such, pending the completion of safety and maintenance inspections, according to information provided by WISN.com.

“It made that crashing sound, like the building was coming down… I saw the whole works. It came down in one sheet,” explained witness Dave Jenkins Sr.

A 911 caller contended a 30-foot-wide decorative piece of a wall inside the parking garage reportedly detached from the structure and fell that afternoon.

When officials arrived at the scene, a 13-year-old boy was found in grave condition. Two others, which included a mother and her teenage son, suffered injuries after the concrete slab fell as well.

It was not specified if the 13-year-old, who was apparently a friend of the family of the surviving victims, was taken to the hospital after the incident. Nonetheless, his traumatic injuries eventually proved fatal.

According to Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, the mother and her son were rushed to Froedtert Hospital. As of Thursday evening, the mother was listed in satisfactory condition. The other teen involved was listed in good condition after suffering a foot injury in the collapse.

With regard to the incident, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker expressed his condolences, stating, “Today’s accident at the O’Donnell Parking Structure is tragic. I extend my most heart-felt sympathies to all of those involved.”

Chairman of the Milwaukee County Board Lee Holloway also insisted there be extensive inspections before the parking structure is reopened. “I am calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into this incident, as well as a review of all County facilities to make sure that they are structurally safe for our residents to use and enjoy,” said Holloway.

“I don’t care how long it’s going to sit empty… We’re not letting people in until we are 100 percent certain this is safe… We need to know what happened here and why before anything else can happen,” Holloway added.

Investigations into the fatal parking garage incident are expected to be underway.

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Wisconsin Premises Liability Lawyers.

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