Official: Heavy ice a possible factor in Alaska gym collapse
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — An Anchorage official says thick, heavy ice had accumulated on the roof of a gym that collapsed earlier this month, killing one person and trapping two others. Ross Noffsinger is the acting building official for the city. He told the Anchorage Daily News that tremendous ice buildup on the roof may have exceeded the city’s design criteria. Still, he said more analysis is needed before officials reach a final conclusion. The collapse happened on the evening of Feb. 17 during a fitness competition. One woman was killed in the collapse and two others were temporarily trapped. More than 10 people were inside the gym at the time.