(Washington DC) The Department of Buildings has issued its After‑Action Report (AAR) on the December 23, 2024, partial collapse at 1111 V Street NW. The report’s findings found several factors that potentially contributed to the collapse, where tragically, a construction worker, Edgar Cifuentes-Lopez, lost his life. DOB took immediate action to remedy the issues at the site and to enhance the agency’s protocols for similar construction work across the District.
“We are still deeply troubled and saddened by the death of Mr. Cifuentes-Lopez.” said DOB Director Brian J. Hanlon. “The After‑Action Report provides critical insights and reforms that are enabling DOB to enhance inspection protocols and standards citywide so that our construction workers and communities are kept safe.”
The AAR identifies over‑excavation, unstable masonry conditions, missing shoring plans, lack of monitoring systems, and improper sequencing of demolition and excavation as findings. DOB took immediate action by issuing a Stop‑Work Order, multiple Correction Orders, and Notices of Infraction for creating unsafe site conditions. The site has since been stabilized with temporary bracing and real-time structural monitoring, and more than 50 inspections have been conducted since the incident. DOB continues to provide oversight of the project and is maintaining twice‑weekly inspections.
DOB has also enhanced its protocols for special inspection properties across the District. It has conducted more than 30 field audits of other properties requiring special inspections for foundation work, issued an administrative bulletin focused on shoring and sequencing, and is requiring mandatory monthly oversight meetings with special inspection agencies.
The AAR is a post-incident review intended to analyze the circumstances of an event based on information available to DOB at the time. The 1111 V Street NW AAR focuses on the events surrounding the building’s collapse, identifies potential contributing factors, and makes recommendations for improved processes. It does not make findings or determinations on causation or assign fault to any party. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is currently conducting an investigation into the death of Mr. Cifuentes-Lopez.
DOB’s full AAR is available here.