Hard Rock International has released an official statement regarding the deadly construction collapse in New Orleans which killed two people and left more than 20 injured. 

On Saturday, a large section of Hard Rock New Orleans, under construction, collapsed.

Several engineers, rescue workers and a crane were brought to the site early Sunday, to help stabilise the structure and search for a worker still trapped in the rubble. Officials reported 18 people were taken to the hospital while several others went on their own.

“I heard a huge noise and thought it was a plane crashing,” Sue Hurley, a 68-year-old guest at a hostel across the street, told the Associated Press. According to Hurley, the collapse reminded her of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

LaToya Cantrell, the mayor of New Orleans, commented: “Search and rescue continue to remain our top priority at this time. We want people to heed all traffic precautions that we have put out as we stabilise this area. This is going to be a long process, and we just want people to pay attention to any advisories that come from the Mayor’s Office of Communications.”

“Hard Rock has had no involvement in the construction of the project”

The official press release from Hard Rock International stated: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of this tragic accident and to their loved ones. Our hearts and minds remain with those impacted, and we are grateful for the leadership from the offices of Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Councilwoman Kristin Palmer.

“We are collaborating with the other fine response organisations, as well as the resilient people of New Orleans – our friends and neighbours for more than 30 years. We are in communication with local partners and officials to ensure we take appropriate action where and as needed.

“The current priority remains the ongoing search and rescue of the last missing person and stabilisation of the site.

“Citadel Builders LLC was contracted by Kailas Companies, owner of the project, to build the Hard Rock Hotel based on a brand licensing agreement with Hard Rock International, the future manager of the hotel. Hard Rock has had no involvement in the construction of the project.”