[1][2] The managers of the property were later criminally charged for failure to maintain and repair its foundation, even after several warning signs had appeared in the weeks before the collapse.
Pier 34 and Club Heat's owner, socialite Dorrance Hill Hamilton, did not face criminal charges, but paid the legal defense fees of the managers.
The collapse occurred around 8 PM while the nightclub was occupied, as a section of the pier (already showing signs of shifting), fell into the cold spring waters of the Delaware River.
Strong river currents, lack of light, and a large amount of debris combined with additional threats of collapse from the sections of pier still standing hampered rescue efforts.
[11] Based on evidence that showed both men were aware that the pier was in danger of collapse and did little to prevent it,[citation needed] the owner of Pier 34, Michael Asbell, and the Manager of Club Heat, Eli Karetny, were charged by the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office with third-degree murder and other charges, but during deliberations, the jury was unable to come to a unanimous decision.