First responders said an HVAC fell on top of a parking ramp at a vacant property on Briar Hollow, causing a pancake effect. A portion of the garage crumbled down while a man was still inside his car.
The victim spoke only to ABC13 about the terrifying moment and how he hasn't been able to get his car back.
Jose Cruz said he had started working for the security company that oversees the building about 15 days before and was about 30 minutes into his shift when the garage below him crumbled.
Cruz described how he was parked atop the parking garage near Briar Hollow Lane on Jan. 24 when, suddenly, the area he was parked in collapsed, leaving his car dangling.
According to Cruz, he heard a loud noise and then felt the ground shake, and the next thing he knew, he was looking for a way out.
"All I could think of was, 'What if my car comes loose and keeps falling down? Where will it fall?" Cruz explained. He said it was a fear he's never felt before, a fear he doesn't wish on anyone.
Cruz told ABC13 that he quickly escaped through his car window and didn't realize he was hurt until he got out because of the adrenaline.
ABC13 learned through first responders that an HVAC system fell on the parking ramp and caused a portion of the garage to pancake.
Cruz was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for a fractured right foot during his escape, but he said he is healing well and doing better.
Cruz said it doesn't sit right with him that the property owners haven't asked if he's OK, telling ABC13 that he feels like they don't care, and calling the entire situation bizarre.
In January, Dhanani Private Equity Group confirmed to ABC13 that they had recently acquired the property.
ABC13 reached out again to find out what's next for the property and what's left. According to Cruz, he's been unable to get his car from the pile of debris. Cruz also said he doesn't know how he's going to pay for his medical bills.
Two weeks later, and his car is still out here, Cruz said, adding that all he wants is to get better and to get back to doing what he's done for 18 years.
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