Ground Zero bank refuses clean-up

A skyscraper next to Ground Zero believed to contain bodies of people who died on September 11 has still not been entered or searched because the bank which owns it will not let rescue workers inside.

For weeks officials have been calling for a thorough trawl through the damaged 40-story Deutsche Bank building in Liberty Street. A 24-floor gash was ripped in its facade when the World Trade Centre's towers collapsed. Debris and human remains are thought to have been thrown inside.

Deutsche Bank maintains that a mould which has infested its walls and ventilation system could be a health hazard, embroiling the company in potential liability lawsuits worth millions of dollars.

"It's very disturbing that anyone would prevent the firefighters from bringing loved ones home to their families," said Marian Fontana, who lost her firefighter husband David on September 11. "They claim it's due to the mould, but...I think they want the building condemned, and they want to collect their insurance money."

A source familiar with the recovery operation said: "The city's initial plan for entering the building was not environmentally safe. We can't just have debris dumped out on the street where people are walking around."

The 565ft bank tower has remained stable despite the damage, a ghostly, black-shrouded presence throughout nearby clean-up efforts. But the long-lasting fires in the aftermath of the attacks triggered sprinklers which soaked the floors inside, propagating a mould described as consisting of "black splotches". Several weeks passed before the 24-storey tear in the building was sealed.

"We are working in close co-operation with the city of New York to agree on a joint plan for the removal of debris in the most expeditious and environmentally safe manner possible," said Rohini Pragasian, a bank spokeswoman.