By Shayna Jacobs
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MUNICIPAL DISTRICT — The main Manhattan criminal court building remained shut down for a third consecutive day because of damages from an electrical fire that prompted an evacuation of the 17-floor building on Tuesday.
Electrical wires from temporary construction lights in the basement of the 100 Centre Street courthouse caused the two-alarm fire that left eight people with minor injuries, the FDNY said.
Hundreds of people including court employees, judges, attorneys and litigants have crammed into 111 Centre Street, a much smaller courthouse across the street.
The Office of Court Administration would not comment on the expected duration of the closure but court sources with knowledge of the clean up effort believe 100 Centre Street will not be operational until at least Monday.
Only trials and court appearances that are timely, like arraignments, are fully operational and most non-pressing matters are receiving adjourn dates.
"They seem to be handling this situation remarkably well," said defense attorney Richard Verchick who had two imprisoned clients with scheduled court appearances on Wednesday.
In both cases, Verchick's clients were not produced for their appearances and new dates were assigned.
"They put together a workable interim solution," he added.
