Sean Benschop, a heavy equipment operator for demolition contractor Griffin Campbell, is facing 10 to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to six counts of involuntary manslaughter, 12 counts of reckless endangerment, conspiracy and causing a catastrophe.
The charges are a result of a building collapse during a demolition project in downtown Philadelphia that killed six people and injured 12 others.
Philadelphia Demolition Contractor Charged with Murder in Deadly Building Collapse
Investigators believe the vibration from Benschop's excavator caused a four-story brick wall to collapse into an adjacent store. Authorities say Benschop had been warned not to use machinery to demolish an unsupported brick wall. Authorities also say Benschop was operating the excavator with a cast on his right hand after taking a painkiller for the injury and using marijuana the day of the collapse.
Benschop and Campbell had been charged with six counts of third-degree murder. Campbell is expected to fight the charges at trial.
