[volunbeer]

That appears to have been either a water main or a sprinkler main that broke prior to the collapse. If you consider this video in light of the statement of the lady who was able to get out after waking up to noise and finding her sliding door jammed shut it appears the building was settling prior to the collapse so new stresses were being placed on the concrete that was not elastic.

There has been enormous speculation about this event with some pretty crazy theories and a lot of talk about the superficial condition of the concrete at the base of the structure. However, what has not been talked about nearly as much that may be relevant is that this area is known for large shallow sinkholes.

What happened? Outside of the obvious catastrophic failure of the building’s structural core we do not know. The investigators will figure it out. NIST is a pretty sharp nerd herd with a history of solid failure analysis investigation.

[Az Joe]

The water pipe break was the collapse, the very beginning of it.

[Gene Eric]

>> That appears to have been either a water main or a sprinkler main that broke prior to the collapse.

And that would definitely accelerate the structural failure.

Wouldn’t be surprised if exponential water seepage brought the wing down.

[EVO X]

There has been enormous speculation about this event with some pretty crazy theories and a lot of talk about the superficial condition of the concrete at the base of the structure.

This video makes it less likely the pool deck collapse was the starting point of the failure.