Demolition begins at high school where 17 died
19 June 2024
Video: (c) 2024 Thomson Reuters
Demolition of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland city, Florida, United States, has finally begun - more than six years after a mass shooting claimed the lives of 17 students and staff in 2018.
According to Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) district, the mechanical demolition of the three-storey structure is expected to take several weeks to complete.
It said: “In preparation, crews cleaned and cleared the building, adhering to state and the Environmental Protection Agency’s landfill disposal regulations, and electronics were removed for proper handling.
“Additionally, survivors of the tragedy, families of victims, as well as teachers and staff had any items they desired returned to them.”
Works to the site, which until recently had to be preserved as evidence for the prosecution of the shooter, are expected to take several weeks to complete.
“This will be a difficult time for the families and friends of those who were killed and injured, and for the entire community,” said BCPS.
Family members of the victims that wish to witness the building’s demise have been provided with a designated viewing area on the school’s grounds.