One of the worst structural disasters in U.S. history happened right here in Missouri nearly 40 years ago. On July 17, 1981, two suspended walkways in the Hyatt Regency Hotel collapsed into the hotel’s lobby. Tragically, on that day a dance was being held in the lobby and 114 victims lost their lives while another 216 were left with injuries. It was known as the deadliest structural collapse in American history until the Twin Towers fell on Sept. 11th, 2001.
Nearly 40 years after the Hyatt Regency tragedy in Kansas City, the ill-fated hotel still stands but now bears the name of a different lodging chain.
Leonardo/TripAdvisor
It’s hard to believe such a tragedy occurred in this beautiful lobby. Sadly, for those who lost loved ones that day the vision of the collapse still remains.
tiger1127/TripAdvisor
The lobby’s multi-story atrium was one of the defining features of the 40-story hotel when it opened in 1980. Spanning the length of the lobby were four suspended metal and glass walking bridges, each weighing approximately 64,000 lbs.
Dr. Lee Lowery, Jr., P.E./Wikimedia Nearly 1,600 people were present in the lobby on the day the walkways collapsed.
The design of the walkway supports were barely adequate to hold the weight of the walkway itself and succumbed to the additional weight of 20 or so spectators. The flaw resulted in the collapse of the 4th floor walkway which was located directly above the walkway on the 2nd floor.
Dr. Lee Lowery, Jr., P.E./Wikimedia 211 people died at the scene and the rescue efforts lasted over 14 hours. Removing the 60 plus tons of steel, concrete and glass required cranes, hydraulic jacks, and bulldozers. Ultimately, 29 survivors were pulled from the wreckage that day.
Today, the crossing only spans one level above the lobby. In addition, the walkway is now supported by several columns underneath.
Ralph G./TripAdvisor
In late 2015, the Skywalk Memorial Foundation unveiled the memorial that sits just a few steps from the hotel and prominently displays the names of those who lost their lives in the hotel that day.
Skywalk Memorial Foundation, Inc./Facebook If you’re interested in the Skywalk Memorial Foundation or you wold like to visit the memorial, visit their Facebook page for information.
Do you remember this horrific tragedy? Share your memories with us in the comments below.
Leonardo/TripAdvisor
tiger1127/TripAdvisor
Dr. Lee Lowery, Jr., P.E./Wikimedia
Nearly 1,600 people were present in the lobby on the day the walkways collapsed.
211 people died at the scene and the rescue efforts lasted over 14 hours. Removing the 60 plus tons of steel, concrete and glass required cranes, hydraulic jacks, and bulldozers. Ultimately, 29 survivors were pulled from the wreckage that day.
Ralph G./TripAdvisor
Skywalk Memorial Foundation, Inc./Facebook
If you’re interested in the Skywalk Memorial Foundation or you wold like to visit the memorial, visit their Facebook page for information.
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