Publix Supermarket, DeLand, FL

Via MSNBC: Shoppers at a Florida supermarket shouted “Get Out! Get Out!” and “Publix is on fire!” when a small experimental plane crashed through the roof Monday evening, 911 audio reports released Tuesday show. Five people were injured with burns as fire shot through the roof and into the store. The plane was an amphibious experimental aircraft that took off from DeLand Municipal Airport and suffered engine failure.

Damage Assessment

Advanced Roofing was notified to be on standby to make emergency repairs as soon as the local fire department released the scene. What was soon discovered was that the plane had gone through the entirety of the roofing material, leaving a 40ft-by-45ft hole between the inside of the store and the outside.

The Response

Within 2 hours, the damage was assessed and a plan was formed so that Publix would be able to salvage their inventory and reopen for business as quickly as possible.

The solution was to span the opening with metal C-channel supports and overlay the area with metal decking for coverage. A watertight tie-in to the existing roof was prepared, and the opening was finally sealed with TPO membrane.

Materials were obtained and work was executed within 24 hours of the scene being released