Camden County Prosecutor Warren Faulk, Cherry Hill Police Chief Bud Monahan and Cherry Hill Fire Director Patrick Kelly reported a building collapse that led to the death of one man Friday.
On June 20, 2014, at 12:31 pm the Cherry Hill Police and Fire Department Officials responded to the report of a building collapse at 500 Rte. 38, Cherry Hill. Fire Department Units arrived on location and discovered one person trapped under the debris. His injuries were fatal. Jose Ortega, 38, of Camden was identified after an autopsy was conducted Saturday. He was killed immediately in the collapse.
A backhoe operator working at the site was also transported to the local hospital for evaluation after complaining of chest pains.
The building being demolished was formerly occupied by a Blockbuster Video Store but has been unoccupied for several years.
The Cherry Hill Police Department and Camden County Prosecutor’s Office are currently conducting the investigation with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
