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Inspector Cites Support Beam Failure in UC-Area Balcony Collapse

City orders balcony access barricaded pending structural evaluations.

Overview

  • Ten people were hospitalized, including one in critical condition, after a Stetson Avenue balcony fell about 20 feet Friday night near the University of Cincinnati.
  • The Cincinnati Fire Department says the 8-by-12 wooden deck gave way under the weight of too many people during a gathering.
  • City officials opened a code enforcement case and recorded additional violations as inspectors examined the property on Monday.
  • Orders require owner Hezekiel Eskender and the homeowners' association to hire structural engineers, barricade all balcony doors, and restore damaged sprinkler service.
  • The Department of Buildings and Inspections has engaged the original engineering firm and a forensic consultant and will reinspect for compliance, and the owner has not responded to requests for comment.