Demolition Worker Charged With Deaths In Building Collapse Has Surrended [Updated]

Update [5:14 p.m.] Sean Benschop, covering his face with a red jacket, surrendered to police at 3:30 this afternoon. He was accompanied by his lawyer, who said Benschop “is not responsible and we believe that in time the facts will show that he is not responsible and the responsible party will be held accountable.”

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On Friday evening, backhoe operator Sean Benschop was charged with six counts of involuntary manslaughter and other charges relating to his role in the building collapse at 22nd and Market streets that killed six and injured 13.

According to NBC 10, an arrest warrant has been issued and police are searching for Benschop, who has a criminal record. It has been alleged that he had marijuana and painkillers in his system at the time of the collapse. Police searched Benschop’s Olney home on Friday afternoon, removing computer equipment, documents and other materials.

Meanwhile, two surviving victims have filed suit against Richard Basciano, the building owner, and Griffin Campbell, the demolition contractor.