Building Neglect Blamed In Queens Stairway Collapse
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The city says last week's stairway collapse that sent a woman to the hospital could have been prevented.
A 20-foot section of the stairwell at the Five Points Artist Studio in Long Island City came crashing down Friday, burying the woman under rubble.
She was pulled out and taken to Bellevue Hospital.
The Buildings Department says a preliminary investigation found the collapse was caused by neglect and failure to maintain the building.
The department cited the building's owner, G&M Realty, five times last year for illegally converting the factory into artist studios.
City officials have deemed the building unsafe and have shut it down until at least Monday.