The collapse May 6 of the HVAC system above an indoor pool at the Gaylord Rockies Resort near Denver sent six people to local hospitals, two with life-threatening injuries. An estimated 50 to 100 people were in the water or on the pool deck as pieces of the system fell into the pool and hot tub. 

ENR reached out to the City of Aurora for information on the last time the building’s HVAC system was inspected but has not received a response.

Eight firefighters from nearby Aurora Fire Station No. 16 were already at the Gaylord property for training exercises, which allowed for a quick medical response at the scene. 

According to the Aurora Fire Department, an investigation into the collapse will be up to the resort to conduct.

“Our primary concerns are with the individuals and families affected by this incident,” says Cameron Snyder, a spokesperson for Mortenson, which was general contractor with WELLBRO on the project, completed in 2018.

“While we haven’t been on site for several years and it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to speculate on cause, we have reached out to the current owners to offer any assistance needed. We have also contacted the primary trade partners of this scope of work to ensure they also stand ready to support the Gaylord Rockies team in their investigation,” he says.

RK Mechanical was one contractor that installed mechanical equipment at the resort during its construction roughly five years ago.

“We are and will continue to cooperate with local authorities, the Gaylord and other contractors to determine the cause of this accident,” says Jennifer Johnson, a spokesperson for the mechanical contractor. “In the meantime, our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this unfortunate event, and we are here to help in any way we can.”

The $800-million hotel, resort and convention center includes an 800-ft lazy river, a resort-style outdoor pool and an indoor pool venue with slides.