Investigations opened into partial collapse of Seattle’s Pier 58

Federal and state inspectors have now opened investigations, after a partial collapse of Seattle’s Pier 58 injured two construction workers over the weekend.

Guest column: The surprises happening at the Seattle Waterfront

Pier 58 was originally closed in mid August, after city officials found that it was shifting “in several places,” creating a gap between the pier and the shore. Over the weekend, construction crews were working to remove a concrete section, before a 15,000-square-foot chunk of the pier broke off into Elliott Bay.

The two workers injured in the collapse — a 30 and 42-year-old — were quickly pulled before the fire department arrived, and were transported to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition. They have since been discharged from the hospital with no serious injuries.

Inspectors with the State Department of Labor and Industries and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will investigate the City of Seattle and a pair of independent contractors hired to assist with demolishing the pier. Both companies declined to issue a statement on the investigations.

Seattle council votes to approve controversial tax for waterfront project

Funding for the Pier 58 replacement had previously been secured as part of the Waterfront Seattle project. The pier was already in the process of being designed, with removal of the existing pier and construction of a new pier planned for 2022. The redesign includes a public plaza, large lawn, and a children’s playground. That timeline was moved up after the city discovered “accelerated deterioration” in August.

Officials will work on new plans to remove the rest of the pier this week and remove debris from the water. Additional fencing has been placed around the site, city officials said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Follow @NickNorthwest