SURFSIDE, FL (VINnews) – Families, survivors, first responders and community leaders gathered Tuesday in Surfside to mark the fifth anniversary of the Champlain Towers South condominium collapse, one of the deadliest building failures in U.S. history.

The solemn ceremony honored the 98 people who lost their lives when the 12-story beachfront building collapsed in the early morning hours of June 24, 2021.

Participants observed moments of silence, read the names of the victims and offered prayers in remembrance of those who died. Many family members carried photographs of their loved ones as they reflected on the lasting impact of the tragedy.

Local officials praised the efforts of rescue workers who searched through the rubble for weeks and reaffirmed their commitment to improving building safety standards.

The collapse led to sweeping changes in Florida’s condominium inspection and reserve funding requirements, aimed at preventing similar disasters.

Five years later, families said the pain remains, but so does their determination to ensure the victims are never forgotten.