KMBC 9 Investigates Family Dollar's Unaddressed Repairs Post-2016 Crash

A Tragic Collapse and Unanswered Questions

A tragic event unfolded when a roof collapsed at a Family Dollar store in the 3700 block of Broadway Boulevard, resulting in the death of 68-year-old Larry Banks, critical injury to a 50-year-old woman, and injuries to two others. This incident has sparked renewed scrutiny into how cities manage the safety of private properties, particularly after significant structural damage.

The collapse occurred nearly a decade after a car crash destroyed a support beam that held up the building’s Northeast corner and roof. Despite this, the property owner never applied for a permit to repair the beam or reinforce the roof, which was frequently used by hundreds of people each week. City records confirm that no such permit was filed, raising serious concerns about accountability and oversight.

No Evidence of Repairs

According to Google Street View, there is no photographic evidence that the beam was ever replaced in the nine years since the crash. This lack of visible action has led to questions about why the necessary repairs were not made, especially given the ongoing use of the building by the public.

Residents have reported noticing the building's tilting condition, especially following heavy rains in recent weeks. Noah Banks, a local resident who lives across the street from the store, said she had been observing the building's condition for weeks. She expressed her belief that the man's death could have been prevented if the issues had been addressed sooner.

Concerns About Building Safety

A city inspector's photo taken on July 22 showed the corner of the building sagging, yet it appears the inspector did not document the roof's condition. A store manager, who wished to remain anonymous, reported the roof's condition to the building's management multiple times. Two witnesses living in nearby Valentine apartments confirmed they saw the manager taking pictures of the building in the weeks leading up to the collapse.

However, only one complaint about the building's "tilting" condition was received by the city on Friday, July 25, just two days before the collapse. This raises further questions about the effectiveness of the city's reporting and response systems.

The Role of Property Owners

The building is owned by the Kansas City-based Arthur Fels company. A call to a company representative was not immediately returned, but the company released a statement expressing sympathy for the victims. The statement did not address the lack of repairs to the support beam.

City officials are still investigating the reasons behind the failure to file a repair permit after the 2016 crash. A city spokeswoman confirmed that no permit was filed and emphasized that the responsibility for a building's structural integrity lies with its property owner and manager.

Ongoing Investigations

Multiple city departments, including Public Works, Neighborhood Services, City Planning and Development, and the Kansas City Fire Department, are involved in the investigation. The city is working to determine why no inspections were conducted after the 2016 crash and whether any city inspectors ordered an inspection at the building.

KMBC 9 Investigates continues to dig into the situation, seeking to uncover more details about the events leading up to the collapse. If anyone has information about this case, they are encouraged to contact investigators via email at investigates@kmbc.com.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of building codes and better communication between property owners, city officials, and the public. It also underscores the importance of regular inspections and timely repairs to prevent such tragedies in the future. As the investigations continue, the community awaits answers and changes to ensure the safety of all buildings in the area.