Ga. gangway collapse survivors suing construction firms
SAPELO ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - On Wednesday, survivors of the deadly Sapelo Island gangway collapse announced their lawsuit against the parties involved in the engineering and construction of the gangway.
The founder of Mance Law Firm, LLC, a personal injury law firm in Savannah spoke about the emotional and physical toll the Sapelo Island gangway collapse has had on his clients. He also outlined key allegations in the lawsuit filed against the engineering and construction companies.
Survivors along with their attorney Chadrick A. Mance, addressed media Wednesday at the Elm Grove Church.
According to the complaint, the survivors include residents of Sapelo Island as well as individuals who were visiting family and attending the celebration on the island at the time of the incident.
READ THE COMPLAINT:
The fatal collapse on October 19, 2024 resulted in over 20 people falling into the Dublin River, seven deaths, and over a dozen injuries as the community gathered for a Cultural Day celebration.
The day started as a Gullah Geechee celebration that brought thousands to the area.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp released a statement following the dock collapse.
In a social media post, he wrote, “Marty, the girls, and I are heartbroken by today’s tragedy on Sapelo Island. As state and local first responders continue to work this active scene, we ask that all Georgians us in praying for those lost, for those still in harm’s way, and for their families.”
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Former President Joe Biden also sent out a statement about the collapse:
“We are heartbroken to learn about the ferry dock walkway collapse on Georgia’s Sapelo Island. What should have been a joyous celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture and history instead turned into tragedy and devastation. Jill and I mourn those who lost their lives, and we pray for the injured and anyone still missing. We are also grateful to the first responders at the scene. My team is in touch with state and local officials, and we stand ready to provide any and all assistance that would be helpful to the community.”
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