Communications Failure in Hyatt Regency Disaster

Abstract

In July, 1981, two suspended walkways overlooking the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, Mo., collapsed, killing 114 people and injuring 200 more. The immediate cause of the accident was a structural design flaw in the box beam‐hanger rod connections supporting the walkways. However, a more fundamental cause was a series of communication failures between the structural engineer and the steel fabricator. Confusion developed about whether the fabricator was to assume the professional role of “designer” or “developer,” design drawings failed to clearly communicate important design information to indicate that the box beam‐hanger rod connection shown was an “incomplete” design, and ambiguities in communicating intent were never resolved—all contributing to the ultimate tragedy. Specific areas of miscommunication that led to the inadequate box beam‐hanger rod design that made the structural collapse inevitable are examined. The purpose is twofold: (1) To provide some insight into the complexities of communication systems in the construction industry; and (2) to encourage engineers to develop more effective foresight as a result of the communication lessons that emerge in hindsight from the tragedy.