Inspector in Philadelphia building collapse commits suicide

Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher
Jun 13, 2013 - 03:23
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Inspector in Philadelphia building collapse commits suicide
A building inspector who surveyed a Philadelphia building that collapsed, killed six people last week, has been found dead.

AN OFFICIAL says an inspector who surveyed a Philadelphia building before it collapsed last week, killing six people, has committed suicide.

Philadelphia Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison says the inspector was found fatally shot in a pickup truck on Wednesday night. The man was a Department of Licences and Inspections employee who had inspected the building May 14.

Officials were informing department staff Thursday moing and the man's name wasn't immediately being released. City officials are planning a news conference.

The building was being demolished when it collapsed onto a neighboring Salvation Army Thrift Store on June 5, killing two employees and four customers. Police allege a heavy equipment operator was high on marijuana when it happened.

The city's top prosecutor is convening a grand jury to look into the collapse.

Readers in need of support or counseling can contact suicide prevention hotline Lifeline at 13 11 14.
 

Emergency personnel respond to the building collapse in downtown Philadelphia on June 5.