HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – One Holland City Council member watched the partial roof collapse at the Holland Civic Center unfold from his office window at Padno’s where he is employed.
First Ward Councilman Mike Trethewey spoke somberly to WHTC News this morning about the accident. Just after 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, Two men were trapped under the rubble for about 15 minutes before firefighters pulled him out, but he was later pronounced dead on-site. The other man did not get trapped under the debris, but did suffer serious injuries and was rushed to Holland Hospital.
Trethewey says he ran across to the parking lot to see if he could help.
“I knew it wasn’t good being able to watch it unfold a little bit. This is probably the only time you will ever hear me speak on behalf and for my the rest of colleagues. First and foremost our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those involved. The first responders did an exceptional job all the way around. It’s just an unfortunate accident that has happened at this point and out hearts and prayers go out to all those involved.”
Trethewey says too many media outlets jumped to conclusions.
“Even within five, ten, fifteen minutes the stories had changed four or five times. I understand the need to information. It’s a human thing. We also have to make sure that we don’t speculate and throw out false information and make matters worse than what they actually are. I’m not gonna bash on them. Some of the media trying to dig and find thngs that simply are not there. Sensationalizing something that is already a tragic event is just unforgivable.”
Officials have not identified the men and it is not yet known what caused the incident. Construction began in July on the 60-year-old Civic Center with the construction firm Geenen DeKock Properties.
