I agree, wasn’t poor engineering it was a dumb spot to try to build it.
Perhaps to make my point a little more defined:
When journalists (who we know rarely get anything correct in detail as their view is temporary) write these articles, the question arises has the builder done something “wrong” or out of compliance with his contract. As one in that field for over fifty years, I often suggest looking at the design.
That often is only half the story as the Owner rarely gives the designer all he would have in a perfect world. There is a risk of Ownership and a number of realities that always must be looked at.
Often there is a suggestion to drill geotechnical investigative borings on a grid. Lets say that 10’ on-center might be ideal. The quantity and cost compared to 20’ on-center is almost four times the cost with benefits of nothing if the sub-grade is entirely uniform. That is just one of a hundred cost and time considerations an Owner may get to consider.
Ownership, designed spaces and the execution of them is not Art, but it is closer to it than many understand. Fault is often an after the fact judgement also subject to levels of value and degree.