Christchurch quake inquiry: Four killed after cordon warning ignored

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Chch quake resumed today

The Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission has been hearing evidence on Monday on the collapse of Ruben Blades Hairdressing Academy, at 116 Lichfield Street on the corner of Lichfield and Manchester Streets.

Building project manager Glen McConnell said he warned structural engineer Sean Gardiner that he thought a cordon along the Manchester Street footpath outside the building was necessary, warning of a possible collapse of the building.

However, Mr McConnell said Mr Gardiner had told him that he didn't deem the structural concerns as urgent or of a major concern.

A cordon had been put along the frontage of the footpath outside 112-114 Lichfield Street but was not extended around the corner.

Kelsey Sinitta Moore and her five-week-old daughter, Taneysha Gail Rose Prattley, died when they were buried beneath rubble of the collapsed building corner. Owen Thomas McKenna and Patricia Willems also died after rubble fell on their cars.

Mr McConnell said there was hostility from retailers about the pedestrian cordon, which was removed in early February after safety work on 114 Lichfield St had been completed, as it had frightened shoppers away from that area.

Mr McConnell said previous inspections of 116 Lichfield St had been exterior only and that the tell-tale signs were actually in the interior.

"The building appeared OK, was assumed OK but actually wasn't OK," he said.

Mr Gardiner gave evidence that he did receive an email of concern from Mr McConnell but didn't consider there had been any further significant damage following the September 4, 2010 or Boxing Day quakes.

Building owner Eelco Wiersma said repairs ordered by the city council had been under way, although he was unsure how far they had progressed before the February 22 quake.

"I thought everything was in control with other people, because I said `do whatever it takes'," he said.

NZN