2 Ordered to Trial in Deadly Pier Collapse

Pier 34 owner Michael Asbell and Heat nightclub operator Eli Karetny were ordered to stand trial in Philadelphia on charges including involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment in a pier collapse in May 2000 that killed three and injured dozens of others.

The defendants denied knowing the pier was in danger.

In a preliminary hearing, construction experts testified they had given specific warnings of structural problems at the pier, the east end of which collapsed, plunging patrons into the chilly Delaware River. Prosecutors said the pair opened for business knowing that a failure was imminent.