Thursday marks 33 years since the deadly L'Ambiance Plaza construction disaster in Bridgeport. Mayor Joe Ganim held a special video memorial due to the coronavirus.

A wreath paid tribute to the 28 people who were killed in 1987, but the traditional commemoration was canceled due to the pandemic.

Instead, Mayor Joe Ganim held a video memorial during his virtual town hall.

The L'Ambiance Plaza disaster left 28 families in mourning and created a safety uproar that rocked the construction industry.

Their loved ones were killed when the 16-story residential project under construction came crashing down, along with the industry's faith in the lift-slab construction process. That's where parts of a building were pre-constructed then lifted into place.

Bridgeport Fire Chief Richard Thode paid special tribute, not just to the victim's families, but to first responders, who he says benefited from the many safety advances that resulted from the disaster.

The search and rescue operation lasted 10 days after the disaster.