A Couple’s Distress as They Document the Moments Leading to the Disaster
Adriana Sarmiento and Roberto Castillero, a couple who witnessed the devastating collapse of Champlain Towers South, recounted their frantic attempts to warn residents moments before the structure fell. Staying at a nearby hotel, they captured the terrifying events on video just before and after the disaster.
The couple’s footage began after they heard a thunderous crash from the base of the building, prompting several residents to venture out onto their balconies. Shortly thereafter, Sarmiento and Castillero filmed alarming scenes of water and debris gushing into the building’s basement garage.
In an interview with CNN, Ms. Sarmiento shared their desperate efforts to alert those on the balconies. They waved their arms and shouted for people to evacuate, but the residents appeared unable to comprehend the urgency of their warnings. Tragically, just moments later, the building collapsed.
