'It sucks' | Family of construction worker killed in building collapse in disbelief

WASHINGTON — A 36-year-old man lost his life just days before Christmas when a building collapsed on him Monday at a construction site in Northwest D.C. The collapse has left his family reeling, with grief compounded by questions about safety and accountability.

A two-story rowhouse on the 1100 block of V Street that was being demolished and renovated collapsed Monday morning around 9:30 a.m., leaving Edgar Cifuentes trapped. After trying for several hours to rescue him, first responders had to cease rescue operations, as the building was declared unsafe.

DC Fire and EMS were on scene all day working to stabilize the building. As the sun went down, crews brought in equipment to help with that to remove Cifuentes' body. 

But in the midst of pain, there was hope, as Pastor Kevin Hart with Christian Tabernacle church led the family in prayer after receiving the heartbreaking news.

“It sucks that someone’s life got taken away that easily," Cifuentes' cousin Carmen Bonilla said. “He was a family man through and through. If you knew him, you’d know that he came to this country to find a better living like any other immigrant.”

The family members WUSA9 spoke to expressed frustration and anger with the whole day, and how the construction site was handled. Those closest to Cifuentes want answers, and wonder why more wasn’t done to make sure the building was safe to work in.

“We truly believe there was a lot of negligence behind it,” Bonilla said. “And we just want to know what happened.”

Bonilla said the family has been told multiple stories since they’ve been here waiting for several hours at the collapse scene. 

“One is saying that they were able to get a pulse, but they can’t take out the body,” Bonilla said. “The question is how can’t you take out the body if you were able to get a pulse.”

As Bonilla and her family wait for more, they are reminding others to appreciate time with their families during this holiday season.

"Keep your families close, keep your loved ones close," she said. "You can’t take every day for granted." 

Cifuentes' body has since been taken to the examiner’s office for an autopsy. D.C.'s Director of the Department of Buildings will be looking to see if there are any discrepancies between the work that was permitted and the work that was being done.