3. Hyatt Regency in Kansas City, USA
Built: 1978-1980
Collapsed: 1981
Est. Damages: $50 Million*
The red flags concerning the structural security of Kansas City’s Hyatt Regency Hotel date back to when the building’s roof partially collapsed while still under construction. Due to the neglect of those in charge, the hotel’s two ill-conceived overhead walkways were allowed to continue being built, even though many security measures were overlooked.
Hyatt Regency in Kansas City, USA @Bettmann / Getty Images
Less than a year after the Hyatt Regency Hotel opened its doors to the public, while full of patrons, the two aforementioned walkways came crashing down into the hotel’s lobby. As a result of negligence, 114 people died and 216 others were injured. The collapse resulted in about $50 million in damages, and insurance claims that totaled in the billions.