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Aug 24, 2007 12:37 am US/Eastern
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Two Firefighters Injured At Deutsche Bank Building
Manhattan Borough President: 'This Is A Total Meltdown'
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Two firefighters were injured when a piece of debris fell from the vacant Deutsche Bank Building at ground zero, crashing through a protective sidewalk covering and striking the two victims. Rescue crews flooded the scene once again, along with more firefighters, who were there cleaning up after Saturday's deadly blaze that left another two firefighters dead.
Officials tell CBS 2 that the accident occurred as part of the process of removing potentially dangerous and toxic material left after Saturday's fire. That fire took place in a building that was the site of 19 safety violations and six stop-work orders since demolition began.
Demolition operations were since suspended, but firefighters were brought back to clear the area from any dangerous materials.
"We're now saying halt activity before more people get hurt. This is a total meltdown," said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.
The incident occurred about 2 p.m. when a motorized palette jack supporting some scaffolding apparently fell 23 stories through the covering where the two firefighters from Engine 58 were standing.
Between Saturday's accident and today's accident, politicians are saying enough is enough.
"This is frightening. I mean if you look at what happened just a few days ago where 100 firefighters were sent into the building with little oxygen and little water no plan, and now today we have firefighters hurt again they're rushing to do it and it's a disaster waiting that has happened now," said Stringer.
CBS 2 HD has learned that the two injured firefighters were taken to St. Vincent's Hospital, but their injuries have been deemed non-life threatening. One reportedly has just a minor injury, the other a head injury which required multiple stitches.
A funeral was held on Thursday for Joseph Graffagnino, one of the victims in Saturday's fire. A wake was still being held for the other victim, Robert Beddia, whose funeral is scheduled for tomorrow.
Two investigations were launched as a result of that incident and now one more will be launched because of this one.
Stay with wcbstv.com and CBS 2 HD for the latest on this developing story.
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