arts
Relative speaks out after federal investigators release report on deadly 2021 condo collapse in Surfside
By Jayme Berezdivin at WSVN 7 News
· June 23, 2026
· 3 min read
As the five year anniversary of the deadly 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside approaches, a relative of one of the victims seeks to know who should be held accountable. Martin Langesfeld, the sister of one of the victims, shared his story after his sister Nikki and husband Louis
Key takeaway ” On Wednesday, people will gather at “98 Points of Light Way” to honor the 98 victims who perished in the collapse.
Why this matters in The Miami
The report's findings on the Champlain Towers South collapse have significant implications for Miami 's coastal communities, where many buildings are exposed to similar environmental factors. The revelation that long-term degradation from corrosion was a major factor in the collapse raises concerns about the safety of countless properties along the Atlantic coastline, including those in Miami Beach and other coastal neighborhoods. As the city continues to grapple with the risks of sea-level rise and flooding, the report's conclusions underscore the need for rigorous inspections and enforcement of building codes to prevent similar tragedies. The fact that permits were approved not up to code and recertifications were allowed to lapse without proper oversight is particularly troubling, and demands a thorough examination of the regulatory processes in place. As the community comes together to remember the victims of the collapse, it is crucial that local officials take concrete steps to address these concerns and ensure that such a disaster never happens again in Miami-Dade County.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As the five year anniversary of the deadly 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside approaches, a relative of one of the victims seeks to know who should be held accountable. Martin Langesfeld, the sister of one of the victims, shared his story after his sister Nikki and husband Louis
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jayme Berezdivin at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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