Several lanes at the intersection of Windhorst Road and Parsons Avenue in Brandon remained closed for the indefinite future as county workers tread carefully in determining what caused a section of the roadway to collapse July 19.
“We have to be really careful at that intersection because there are lots of utility lines in the area,” said Hillsborough County spokesman Patrick Murray. "We have a sewer line and a water line there and we have to make sure there are no other utilities, so we have to be careful drilling.”
At the scene, late afternoon July 22, barricades were seen at the intersection, with drilling under way.
Crew workers first believed a 16-inch sewage pipeline beneath the intersection might have caused the collapse of the 6-foot-square section of roadway on July 19, according to a county report.
But the sewer line was dug up and found to be intact. Now the county is testing the intersection for sinkholes — but carefully, as Murray noted.
Additional detours and lane closures are possible as crews dig up the line for inspection and any necessary repairs.
Motorists who must travel through the intersection are warned to expect delays.
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.wafb.com/story/25627911/driver-says-roadway-collapsed-un...
WALKER, LA (WAFB) -
Driver says roadway collapsed under his delivery truck
Posted: May 28, 2014 8:27 AM EDT
Crews are on the scene of a roadway collapse that happened Wednesday morning.
A man said his delivery truck got stuck on Industrial Drive in Walker when the road just gave way.
Industrial Drive is off Florida Boulevard west of Walker High School.
Witnesses said he was driving on a portion of roadway that crosses a drainage ditch, when the road gave out.
No injuries were reported.
May 29, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news/international/Six_injured_in_build...
Six injured in building site collapse on new Turkish railway
May 29, 2014 - 16:55
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Six workers were injured when part of a building site on a new Turkish high-speed rail line, still under testing, collapsed in the northwestern province of Sakarya on Thursday, the Turkish state railway company said.
The incident on the 533-km (330-mile) track, a high-profile project that will link Istanbul and the capital Ankara, took place less than three weeks after a mining disaster killed 301 workers and drew protests over Turkey's poor record on workplace safety.
Turkish State Railways said part of a scaffolding platform collapsed and that the six workers had been taken to hospital. It said no more were trapped and that it was investigating the circumstances of the accident.
The Transportation Ministry said earlier this week that the high-speed link would become operational in June and that it had been delayed due to sabotage attempts, including the theft of cables and other equipment.
May 29, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
Kansas
http://kansasfirstnews.com/2014/05/29/building-collapses-in-downtow...
Building collapses in downtown Council Grove
Published: Thursday, May 29, 2014, 2:45 pm
City leaders in Council Grove are trying to determine their next step after a 2-story building collapsed Wednesday afternoon.
According to City Manager Danny Matthews, a Thursday afternoon meeting was scheduled to discuss the issue. No one was injured in the mid-afternoon Wednesday incident. The collapse affected a major electrical supply line which caused some power outages, but utility crews were able to move and secure the line to enable power to be restored shortly after the incident.
The building was home to a Waddell and Reed office, a former gun shop which was housed in the basement and a local plumbing business used part of the building for storage. Council Grove is home to the historical Hayes House Restaurant which is less than a block away from the damaged building.
Kansas First News will have more on this story from Council Grove tonight at 6 and 10pm.
May 29, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-01/five-injured-after-beach-hous...
Five injured after beach house balcony collapses in Lancelin
Updated 8 hours 34 minutes ago
Five people have been taken to hospital, including two with suspected spinal injuries, after a balcony collapsed in a coastal town north of Perth.
Ten people were on the balcony of the two-storey beach house in Lancelin on Sunday afternoon when the structure gave way.
Four ambulances were called to the town, 130 kilometres north of Perth.
Two people have suspected spinal injuries while a third person has a fractured leg.
Another two patients were being treated for shock.
It was not immediately clear what caused the balcony to collapse.
The chief executive of the Shire of Gingin, Jeremy Edwards, said a building inspection of the property will take place this week.
"We'll have a look at the building files and we'll actually have a look at what was put in to be built on that property and our building manager will go up there first thing on Tuesday morning," he said.
The ABC reported earlier this year that up to 12,000 balconies and decks across Australia could be at risk of potentially deadly collapse
An ABC investigation found there is no system for mandatory inspect... across Australia and rules vary from state to state.
Jun 2, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/2-dead-11-injured-in-...
2 dead, 11 injured in building collapse in north Delhi
PTI | Jun 1, 2014, 06.33 PM IST
"Two people were killed and 11 were injured when an under-construction multi-storey building collapsed in Sadar Bazar's Gali Barna area," deputy commissioner of police (North) Sindhu Pillai said.
While one body was pulled out of the rubble, another man died while being rushed to a hospital, he said.
"Operations to remove the debris are on. Some more people may be trapped in the debris," a police officer said, adding that the deceased were in their late 20's and were believed to working at the construction site.
According to the Delhi Fire Service officials, a call was received by them at around 12:55pm after which five fire tenders were rushed to the spot.
They said three JCB excavating machines have been sent to the spot to remove the debris and rescue operations were going on.
The police said the identities of the deceased were yet to be established. "The injured persons were mostly labourers who were working there," it said.
The injured have been admitted to the Sushruta Trauma Centre at Hindu Rao Hospital and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
"One of the injured is stated to be critical," the police officer said.
He said the construction work was going on there on the second and third floors.
Jun 2, 2014
KM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2646836/It-like-world-endin...
'It was like the world was ending': Family home reduced to pile of rubble after front of building collapses in middle of the afternoon
By JOHN HALL
PUBLISHED: 02:10 GMT, 3 June 2014 | UPDATED: 02:15 GMT, 3 June 2014
A six-bedroom family home in Birmingham has been reduced to little more than a pile of rubble after the front of the building mysteriously collapsed.
Firefighters were called to the £475,000 detached property on Beak Hill Road in the Kings Norton area of the city at around 4pm yesterday after two bedrooms, the living room and a garage caved in.
Luckily nobody was inside the property at the time of the collapse, although it is understood builders had been carrying out construction work inside the house over the weekend.
Collapse: Firefighters were called to the £475,000 detached property on Beak Hill Road in the Kings Norton area of the city at around 4pm yesterday after two bedrooms, the living room and a garage caved in
Neighbours spoke of their shock after the building collapsed yesterday afternoon.
Michael Kennedy said he had heard a loud crash and rushed outside to see what had happened.
'All was silent for a second or so and the this massive cloud of dust just floated past the window,' the 68-year-old said.
'We went outside and there we saw that the house three doors down had partially fallen in,' he added.
Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: 'It was like the world was ending...There was a huge crash and a rumble and then the cloud of dust coated everywhere.'
'I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the mess, that was a really nice part of the house and it's just gone.'
'I'm so glad no one was hurt, a couple and their son live there, but I think they have gone to stay elsewhere for now.'
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: 'Fire crews were called out at 4.08pm and are still at the scene and liasing with the builder who was on site.'
'The gas and electricity has been isolated and the Technical Rescue Unit is on site and is in the process of working with partners to help shore the building up.'
Firefighters were still on site late last night attempting to secure the property so an investigation can be launched to work out why the front of the building caved in.
Neighbours have been warned to stay away from their homes overnight in case of subsidence.
It is believed a family had only recently purchased the property from an elderly couple and that renovation work was ongoing at the site.
The house was listed on the Zoopla property website in January, priced in the region of £475,000.
It was described as 'an attractive substantially extended six bedroom detached property of much charm and character located in this highly desirable and much sought after residential location.'
Jun 3, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.4inews.co.uk/indonesia-building-collapse-two-killed-and-...
Indonesia building collapse: Two killed and at least 13 buried
More than 50 people escaped unharmed
A building under construction collapsed Tuesday on the Indonesian island of Borneo, killing two workers and burying at least 13 others
The head of the local disaster management agency, Wahyu Widhi Wiranata, said eight workers were injured when the three-story structure collapsed in Samarinda, the provincial capital of East Kalimantan.
Rescuers pulled two bodies from the debris and were searching for those missing, Wiranata said. He said the rescuers heard people under the debris shouting for help.
More than 50 people escaped unharmed, he said.
The cause of the collapse was being investigated. The building was to contain shops.
Media reports quoted survivors as saying most of the employees were sleeping inside the building after working overnight to cast the third floor.
and another:
http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20140603/2403291.html
Seven killed in a building collapse in Kadapa
Seven people including six women and a girl, were killed and 25 injured when concrete roof of a building collapsed on them at Mylavaram mandal in the district today.
Police here said the incident occurred at Nawabpet village when the roof of the single-storeyed building, from where a group of people were watching a cremation procession, collapsed, resulting in the death of seven people and injuries to 25.
The injured were shifted to local area government
hospital.
Rescue operation was on and some people have been rescued in the incident, the police added.
The area had witnessed heavy rains last night. UNI KNR RSA VC2148 NNNN
And another:
http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/148344/1/four-die-as-school-bu...
3 June 2014 Last updated at 17:38 CET
Four Die As School Building Collapses In Onitsha
An uncompleted four-storey building had a catastrophic structural failure and collapsed at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Odoakpu, Onitsha, Anambra State on 2 June 2014.
Four persons, all adult males believed to be workers on the site died while numerous students and parishioners who frequent the building thankfully were not affected. The day before the collapse some 300 students had reportedly used the building for a church event. Hundreds of students were playing in the vicinity of the building when it collapsed.
The collapse of the building occurred at exactly 1:30 pm at St. Christopher Anglican Church premises, along Old Cemetery Road, Onitsha in the Onitsha South Local Government Area. Within minutes the first responders from the Red Cross lead by Dr Katchy were on the scene followed by SEMA, SSS and police and local government officials. Rescue efforts commenced immediately and heavy equipment including four excavators arrived consequently from Julius Berger and other contractors to undertake the search and rescue exercise.
Gov. Willie Obiano who was away in Abuja on official business was informed of the accidents and ordered immediate intervention. Senior ANSG officials led by SSG Oseloka H. Obaze arrived at the scene and along with the CPS Tope Fasugba, Army Commander Col. AJ Fagge, Army Engineers Commander Col. Sango Aremu, Navy Commander Mike Oamen, SEMA Director Dr Justin Ijezie took charge of the rescue operation, assisted by officers of the FRSC, AVSS, and NSDC. LG Council chairman, Mrs Ann Chukwueke and her staff were also on hand throughout the rescue exercise.
On arrival, SSG Oseloka Obaze told the media that the priority was the conduct an efficient search and rescue mission and eventually recovery of any dead bodies. He characterized the "catastrophic failure of the building almost avoidable, if there had been full compliance with building codes." Mrs Chukwueke attributed the collapse on poor materials and supervision by the Anambra Urban Development Board (ASUDEB), which had responsibility for approving building plans.
On the whole, four adult male bodies were recovered from the site, the first at 5:48pm, the second at 6:40pm, the third at 6:50pm and the fourth and final body at 7:35pm The Police DPO confirmed that they had identified the victims, but would not release the names until the next of kins were informed.
As it got darker and lighting equipments were brought in by the Nigerian Army engineers, it was determined that the search had reached the bottom of the rubble. A decision was made to suspend the search at 8:10pm.
At 8:15pm the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Mr Oseloka Obaze, the Chief of Staff to Governor Obiano, Prof. Joe Asike, SEMA Director Dr Ijezie, the Army and Navy Commanders, Police DPO, FRSC, Unit Commander, Onitsha, Red Cross and all the first responders present were met by the parish priest and church elders who thanked them for the quick response by the State authorities and emergency officials.
Thereafter SSG Obaze announced the decision to call off the search and recovery exercise and on behalf of Gov. Obiano whom he said was fully briefed on the rescue exercise, thanked all those who assisted in the rescue efforts. He said that the collapse was "a tragic incident that did not have to happen and that one life lost was one life too many." He also indicated that any further official pronouncement on the collapsed building will come later on.
Between 2012 and 2013 Anambra experienced a spate of building collapses, which compelled the government to set up a panel of experts to investigate the incidents and their respective cause and make recommendations. The panel submitted its report eventually but there was never a government White Paper on the report.
This recent building collapse was the first in Anambra State in 2014. The collapse happened at a time when the Obiano Administration was already reviewing the activities of ASUDEB in the state.
Jun 3, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/15-people-trapped-after-roof-of-a-buildi...
15 people trapped after roof of a building collapses in Howrah
Howrah: Fifteen people have trapped after a portion of a building collapsed in Salkia in Howrah. The unfortunate incident took place when a portion of the roof of an old, four storied house collapsed.
The rescue operation is underway and fire fighters along with police officials are at the spot.
No casualties or serious injuries have been reported as yet.
Jun 4, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
This is a road collapse that they're calling a bridge collapse.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1212335-bridge-collapse-aff...
Bridge collapse affects South Shore school
Published June 4, 2014 - 8:01pm
A broken section of wooden roadway railing lay suspended horizontally just above the Lunenburg County river, caught up by the banks on either side.
Behind it, a chunk of pavement bearing the white line of the shoulder dropped steeply down into the river below, leaving above it the thick crust of the rim of the road from which it had snapped off.
It was a dramatic sight on Highway 208 just outside New Germany early Wednesday morning after a culvert collapsed, taking a piece of the road with it and leaving a gaping hole in one lane of the two-lane road.
Provincial Transportation Department spokesman Darcy MacRae said someone in the area called the department early Tuesday evening to report the collapse.
It meant the South Shore regional school board had to immediately jump into action.
Gilbert Jackson, the board’s transportation analyst, said staff worked until about 10 p.m. developing a plan to ensure about 60 students would get to school on time, despite a detour in the area.
Staff were back at it at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday putting that plan in place and notifying parents of what was going on.
It means some New Germany area students will have to get up 20 minutes earlier for the next little while — in theory at least — to ensure they get to school on time.
Jackson said two buses, numbers 281 and 283, serve the area, but bus 281 will be rerouted to pick up students who live between Ohio Road and New Germany.
Of those, only students who live between North River Road and New Germany on Highway 10 and Copeland Road will be picked up 20 minutes earlier than usual and dropped off 20 minutes later.
Jackson said the bus will begin picking up students at 7:40 a.m. and the last will be dropped off at 4 p.m.
Students who live on Highway 208 between Ohio Road and Hemford will be picked up at their regular times, but by bus 283.
MacRae said a structural engineer was on site Wednesday morning to begin his investigation into what happened and to determine the best options for repairing or replacing the culvert.
“The culvert wasn’t scheduled for repairs, as we were not aware of any concerns.”
Until that repair or replacement plan is finalized, it is difficult to know how long the crossing will be closed, he said.
“The department will make every effort to complete the repair or replacement as quickly as possible.”
The department will begin removing debris from the river as soon as it has the necessary environmental approvals.
Jun 5, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=31...
Central University students escape death after hostel collapse
Eight students of the Central University Collage, escaped death last Friday, when the hostel they were occupying collapsed.
None of the students was hurt as they were all not in the building during the incident.
The two-storey uncompleted structure located at Methodist Junction at New Dawhenya in the Ningo-Prampram District suddenly gave way as floors and pillars fell on each other like falling pack of cards on Friday afternoon.
The cause of the collapse is yet to be ascertained. Parts of the main house and some stores located on the compound were also broken with iron rods that were holding the pillars of the collapsed building.
A popular eatery 'Ajeley Restaurant' which is also located in the structure was also flattened.
The GNA reported that personnel from Ghana National Fire Service, National Disaster Management Organisation officials and police personnel were present at the scene.
Traumatised students from an adjacent hostel and some residents had also gathered at the scene of the incident on Friday.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Paul Mensah Bampoh, District Police Commander, said his outfit received information about the collapsed building at about 1430 hours.
He said information gathered on the incident was very sketchy but confirmed that there were no casualties.
Alhaji Shardrack Nartey, District Chief Executive, who visited the scene, consoled the owner, Mr John Arthur, who was visibly traumatised as he kept weeping.
Alhaji Nartey said the technical officers of the Assembly would investigate the incident to find out the cause.
He also called on developers to adhere to all building regulations to prevent recurrence of such incidence.
Some of the affected students told the GNA that all their belongings which include learning materials, clothing, furniture and cooking utensils were buried under the rubble.
In March this year, a seven-storey uncompleted hotel building at Nii Boi Town in Accra collapsed claiming one life.
Jun 8, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.focusnews.com/?q=detail/national/1/425699
Four trapped as building collapses in Chandigarh
Mon, June 09, 2014, 03.11 AM IST
Chandigarh, June 9 (IANS) At least four people, including two firemen, were trapped under debris after a building collapsed in Chandigarh's commercial hub of Sector 17 Sunday night, police said. It is feared that the trapped people may have died.
The building, which housed the government-run National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIEIT) had caught fire Sunday evening after a blast in the air-conditioning unit that was being repaired.
Rescue officials at the site said that efforts were being made to locate the trapped people.
Being a Sunday, the computer centre was closed for staff and trainees.
Police said that a major portion of the building collapsed from the raging fire. Several fire tenders from Chandigarh and adjoining areas were pressed into service to contain the blaze.
The local administration later called the army for rescue operations.
Jun 9, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://jamestown.twcnews.com/content/news/744541/road-collapsed-in-...
Road Collapsed in Alden Overnight
ALDEN, N.Y. -- Heavy rain and flooding washed out the ground beneath a road in Alden, causing it to completely collapse overnight.
Utility crews were on scene at Getman Road assessing the damage.
They say a gas line is exposed, and the damage could take months to fix.
The road is expected to be closed while crews assess the situation.
Drivers are encouraged to avoid the road in the meantime.
- See more at: http://jamestown.twcnews.com/content/news/744541/road-collapsed-in-...
Jun 15, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/06/16/4-construction-workers-...
4 Construction Workers Injured In Foster City Partial Building Collapse
FOSTER CITY (BCN)__ Four construction workers were injured Monday morning when a building they were working on in Foster City partially collapsed, according to a spokesman with the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
Fire crews were dispatched to the partial collapse at a building site on Triton Drive around 10:30 a.m., a Foster City Fire Department dispatcher said.
Two workers suffered moderate injuries in the structure collapse and two others suffered minor injuries, according to Cal/OSHA spokesman Peter Melton.
Melton said he did not know which company the injured employees were working for at the time of the collapse.
Cal/OSHA investigators were en route to the scene just before noon, he said.
Information about the possible cause of the building collapse was not immediately available.
Jun 16, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.silive.com/westshore/index.ssf/2014/06/house_collapse_in...
House collapse on Todt Hill on Wednesday morning (with photos)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- An unoccupied house collapsed with no reported injuries on Todt Hill on Wednesday morning and that resulted in a large response by the Fire Department.
Ocean Terrace was closed to traffic for a time between Butterworth and Coverly avenues.
The homes on each side were evacuated as a precaution after the third floor fell into the second floor at 527 Ocean Terrace, according to Fire Press. The 60-by-80- foot, 3-story dwelling was described as abandoned.
The Fire Department responded with about 12 units and 60 members for about two hours beginning shortly after 4 a.m.
Fire officials said that the recent heavy rains may have been a fac...
National Grid and other workers are on the scene cutting off utilities to the home. The city Buildings Department has been notified.
Jun 18, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.africanexaminer.com/collapse-building-imsu-students-esca...
The twin lecture hall which collapsed on Friday
Collapse Building: IMSU Students Escape Death, as New Lecture Hall Gave Way
Saturday, June 21st, 2014
Less than three months after the multi-million naira Princess Hotel, Okigwe, being constructed by Imo State Government collapsed, scores of students of the State University (IMSU) Owerri, on Friday narrowly cheated death when a storey building lecture hall and office complex gave way in the campus.
The twin lecture hall which is at the completion stage, is being constructed by the state government as one of the measures to solve accommodation problems in the institution.
An eye-witness account, had it that the building collapsed in the afternoon when students and staff were moving around for the day’s businesses.
However, African Examiner’s findings revealed that the structure, caved in from its base after the POP ceilings were fixed.
It was gathered that cracked signs awoke the students, who reside by the building as a result, hurriedly rushed out after which the building came down.
When our correspondent visited the scene, the building was cordoned with signs of caution and danger to avert further disaster.
Although, no life was lost, yet the development was again blamed possibly on the use of substandard materials.
In her response, a woman who operates a stall near the collapsed building, confirmed to our correspondent that crack signal before the collapse was thesaving grace for the students who escaped unhurt.
When African Examiner contacted the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie for comment, he confirmed the incident but said he was not in a better position to make further statement relating to either the contractor or the building.
Jun 22, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://rekordcenturion.co.za/21553/building-collapsed-injuring-two/
Building collapsed injuring two
Police are investigating the cause of a collapsed building after two people sustained moderate to serious injuries on Monday morning.
Rorisang Kgosana | 23 June 2014 14:00
Two people sustained moderate to serious injuries when a building collapsed in the early hours of Monday morning, paramedics said.
According to police, the Iphi Ntombi building randomly collapsed at 02:30 on Pretoria Road in Midrand. “Police were patrolling around 02:30 on Monday morning and they heard a loud noise. Upon investigating, they found a collapsed building,” said police spokesperson Captain Disebo Selepe.
Two people sustained injuries ranging from serious to moderate. According to paramedics, the injured people were treated on scene. “Both patients were treated on scene before they were transported to hospital for further medical care,” said Netcare 911 spokesperson Santi Steinmann.
Police are currently investigating the events that led to the incident. “The police are still at the building to investigate what caused the collapsed. A case has been opened but with no charge, as police are trying to determine the facts,” said Selepe.
According to reports, the collapse happened several hours after an alleged ATM bombing at the building. Many residents felt tremors after hearing a big bang which sounded like an explosion.
Jun 24, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/People-trap...
People trapped after building collapse near Katy
By Dale Lezon | June 26, 2014 | Updated: June 26, 2014 2:10pm
Rescuers Thursday afternoon rushed to a residential area in west Harris County after a garage reportedly collapsed, sending dozens to the hospital.
Rescuers Thursday afternoon rushed to a residential area in west Harris County after a garage reportedly collapsed, trapping more than one person.
The incident happened about 1:30 p.m. in the 300 block of Park Mill near Park Brush, according to the Houston Fire Department.
Officials said it was unclear how many people were possibly trapped or what led to the collapse.
More details will be reported as the story develops.
Jun 26, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/11302416.Second_sewer_collaps...
Second sewer collapses - this time in Canford Heath
10:10am Thursday 26th June 2014
ROAD diversions have been put in place while staff from Wessex Water carries out emergency repairs on a collapsed sewer in Poole.
Workmen were called to Culliford Crescent at the junction with Chedington Close in Canford Heath at 8.30am yesterday morning.
A spokesperson for Wessex Water said: “The sewer underneath Culliford Crescent has collapsed and we are doing everything we can to investigate the extent of it and repair it as soon as possible.
“We are hopeful that the work will be completed in two weeks, however this could be extended depending on the severity of the collapse.
“Road diversions have been set up for local residents and we apologise for any inconvenience caused to residents.”
Jun 27, 2014
Mark
Building collapses in Washington
http://www.wcti12.com/news/building-collapses-in-washington/26562880
WASHINGTON, BEAUFORT COUNTY -
At 8:50 P.M. Wednesday a one-story tobacco warehouse collapsed at 400 North Bridge Street in Beaufort County.
Officials in Washington say that no one was hurt as a result of the falling structure. At the time, there wasn't any businesses occupying the building.
NewsChannel 12 was told that this collapse was not a result of a fire.
Investigators were on the scene Thursday morning along side police and fire officials, to determine the exact cause of why this building fell.
Jun 28, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://mobi.enca.com/building-collapse-delhi-kills-10-officials
Building collapse in Delhi kills 10, including 5 children
NEW DELHI - A dilapidated apartment block collapsed in New Delhi on Saturday, killing at least ten people including five children in the country's latest building disaster, reports said citing police officials.
Rescuers scrambled to find survivors after the four-storey residential building crumbled, with scores of people feared trapped under the debris.
"Ten people including five children and three women have been killed in the building collapse while two persons have been injured," Delhi police commissioner Madhur Verma told the Press Trust of India (PTI).
"Rescue operations are still on and debris is being removed," he added.
The decades-old dilapidated building in a congested north Delhi neighbourhood started crumbling on Saturday morning.
"This is a 40-year-old building. They have illegally built floor after floor," Rajesh Bhatia, a senior municipal official told NDTV news channel.
The injured have been rushed to hospital while the government has ordered an inquiry into the the cause of the accident, PTI reported.
Building collapses are common in India, as lax regulations and the demand for cheap housing often spurs construction that uses substandard materials and adds unauthorised extra floors.
Earlier this year more than 15 people had died in the western state of Goa when a residential building collapsed.
Jun 28, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://m.newindianexpress.com/top-news/330278
One Dead, Over 50 Trapped in Building Collapse in Chennai
Posted on June 28, 2014 in Top News
IANS
At least one person was killed and 50 others were trapped when a 11-storey under-construction building collapsed here Saturday evening, officials said.
CHENNAI: At least one person was killed and 50 others were trapped when a 11-storey under-construction building collapsed here Saturday evening, officials said.
According to officials, 11 people trapped under the debris were rescued of which one person died. The other 10 have been admitted in a nearby hospital of which the condition of one is said to be serious.
The accident took place at Moulivakkam near Porur area here.
According to a fire service official, rescue efforts were continuing at full swing with several fire service personnel and ambulances at the spot.
Most of the people who were trapped under the debris are said to be construction workers from Andhra Pradesh and some might have taken shelter in the building as it was raining at the time of the collapse, people in the area said.
Rescue efforts were hampered early due to power cut and rains. However, officials have made arrangement for lights to facilitate the rescue work.
In a statement here, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa said a team from the National Disaster Management Authority has been sent to the accident spot to speed up the rescue efforts.
"Police have been ordered to take action against those who are responsible for the incident," she said.
Senior police and other officials were at the spot.
Efforts were on to reach the trapped workers through mobile phones and other means.
Different versions were going around as to the cause of the accident - structural weakness or a lightning strike hitting it as it was raining at the time of the collapse.
Officials, however, said they were focussing on the rescue work and the cause of collapse would be ascertained later.
Fire service personnel and others were busy cutting the steel rods of the collapsed building so as to reach the trapped people.
The residential project Trust Heights is being developed by Prime Sristi Housing Pvt Ltd. The project consisted of two 11-storeyed blocks - The Belief and The Faith.
Despite several attempts by IANS, company officials were not available for comments.
Jun 28, 2014
Tracie Crespo
http://mtstandard.com/news/local/building-collapses-on-s-wyoming/ar...
Building collapses on S. Wyoming
Warehouse collapses
A former refrigeration warehouse, which was built in 1920, collapsed Saturday morning. The cause of the collapse is not yet known. It is likely the building at 750 S. Wyoming St. will be condemned and demolished.
A historic warehouse building on South Wyoming Street collapsed early Saturday morning. The cause for the collapse is not yet known.
The warehouse was built in 1920 and once housed a refrigeration company. Much of its south-facing wall collapsed shortly after 8:30 a.m. The building was unoccupied and no injuries were reported. The collapse was witnessed by employees at Steele’s Furniture, which is just across the street from the warehouse.
Barricades have been erected around the structure.
David Schultz, Butte-Silver Bow’s public works director, said about a third of the south side of the building fell down, scattering bricks across Iron Street.
“It looks unlikely that any more substantial pieces of that building will collapse,” Schultz said. “But we can’t know that for certain. We have barricaded off the street to keep people away from the building in case there are additional problems.”
Schultz said he inspected the building Saturday morning and thought that perhaps plugged roof drains that allowed water to build up on the roof caused the building to collapse, but the building’s owner, Neil Lynch, disputes that.
“I was on the roof yesterday. The foundation failed. There was no roof drain plugged,” Lynch said. “I didn’t see any other signs of this happening other than the foundation was sinking into the ground. The foundation has been deteriorating since the Whalen Tire fire in 2009. A water main burst at the tire shop and flooded my basement, which caused severe water damage.”
Lynch said no repairs were made to the warehouse building because of pending litigation between him and Whalen Tire’s insurance company. Lynch has owned the building for 16 years. He owns a number of the adjacent buildings through his limited liability company, Lifetime Enterprises.
The building has been vacant since the 1980s. It is also scheduled to be auctioned off by the county later this year because it is four years tax delinquent.
Lynch said he plans to pay the taxes, which total more than $6,000, this summer and he will have the building demolished. He plans to build a new building on the lot or put a parking lot.
“It’s a shame to see a building uptown to get torn down and tossed in the landfill,” he said. “I’m saddened by the loss of the building. I go out of my way to preserve these old buildings.”
Jun 29, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://leadership.ng/news/376656/building-collapse-scores-cheat-dea...
Building Collapse: Scores Cheat Death In Police Barracks
— July 2, 2014Scores of people escaped death by the whiskers in Lagos yesterday when a two-story building collapsed at the Police Barrack, Pedro area of the state.
Our correspondent gathered that the two-story building, comprising 27 flats collapsed because it was already dilapidated.
Residents said part of the building caved – in and collapsed and became rubble as a result of the weak structure which had since betrayed its structural integrity.
It was observed that the particular side of the building which collapsed was made of thick wooden frame acting as support for the pillar before it caved in.
The General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Authourity (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, the building collapsed partially at Block six, Pedro Police Barrack, Shomolu, adding that the block is a two-story building.
He said ,“The entire structure of the toilets and bathroom ripped off and reduced to rubble. No life was lost and there was no injury. Victims were advised to vacate their homes.”
Jul 2, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
Belfast Ireland
http://www.u.tv/News/Partial-building-collapse-on-Ormeau-Road/4ea0e...
Partial building collapse on Ormeau Road
The road had to be closed in both directions between University Street and Fitzroy Avenue for a time on Wednesday evening.
Motorists and pedestrians have been advised to avoid the area.
The road has since been reopened to traffic.
Jul 3, 2014
Tracie Crespo
Overpass in World Cup host city collapses onto busy highway
BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil --
An overpass under construction collapsed Thursday in this World Cup host city, killing at least two people and trapping a commuter bus, two construction trucks and a car in an embarrassment for a country that has been basking in praise for what has mostly been a smoothly running soccer tournament.
At least 22 people were reported injured. There was not yet any word on whether foreign tourists were among those killed or injured. Brazilian officials didn't think the casualty numbers would rise too sharply -- though they said they had not yet reached a small passenger car that was flattened by the falling overpass. It was not known if anyone inside the car escaped or remained inside.
The incident is the biggest black eye yet for Brazil's hosting of the World Cup, which has been carried out with less chaos than many had feared. In the run-up to the event, there were serious concerns about the ability of Brazil's airports and roads to handle the influx of tourists because of delays or outright cancelations of projects to improve urban transportation.
After Brazil was awarded the World Cup in 2007, politicians promised $8 billion would be spent on 56 airports, subway lines and other such projects nationwide. But less than 10 of the infrastructure projects were completed in time for the tournament, including the project where the overpass collapsed in Belo Horizonte.
It was not known what caused the overpass to fall. Cowan, the construction company responsible for building it, said investigators were on site but had not released any conclusions.
''It sounded like an earthquake or a bomb,'' said Alexandra Pereira, a teacher who was taking a nap with her 10-year-old son in her apartment building just 20 meters (yards) from the overpass. ''I looked out my window and panicked. I couldn't see anything but a huge cloud of dust.''
Within seconds, Pereira said, her neighbors from the ground floor rushes out to pull injured from the bus that was partially trapped under the overpass. Pereira said she and several neighbors in a group of nine residential buildings close to the overpass had long complained to the mayor's office that they feared for their safety from the construction and asked authorities for compensation so they could move.
She said the request was rejected and the mayor's office assured them the project was safe. The mayor's office ws closed for the day, but Lt. Col. Edgar Estevo da Silva, a spokesman for the fire department, said officials had inspected the nearby apartment buildings and didn't find any sign they were at risk because of the overpass collapse.
Among the dead was a woman who was driving a commuter bus trapped by the overpass died, said Capt. Federico Pascual of the Belo Horizonte fire department. An official in the mayor's office reported the death of a second person.
The official said 22 people were known to be injured. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to talk to the media about the incident. The overpass collapsed about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Mineirao stadium, which has hosted several World Cup matches in recent weeks and is the site of a semifinal match Tuesday.
The overpass ''arched over a really busy thoroughfare,'' Pascual said.
Security camera footage showed heavy traffic on the street below the structure the moment that the overpass collapsed, striking vehicles below and trapping them underneath:
http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/overpass-in-world-cup-host-ci... via @FoxSports
Jul 4, 2014
Howard
Adjacent Homes Collapse In West Philadelphia (Jul 7)
Around 11:45 a.m., crews were notified about the collapse of two adjacent properties at 60th and Spruce Streets in the Cobbs Creek section of the city.
Both properties, 6015 and 6017, were reported to be occupied.
Around noon, Chopper 3 HD was over the scene, where it appeared two row homes had collapsed in towards each other.
In addition to the two collapsed homes, at least four other homes sustained some kind of damage.
Dan Chapman comments, “That’s my childhood. I grew up there.”
Luckily, there were no reports of any injuries. Several dogs were reported to have been missing by one resident, but they were later found safe.
Preliminary reports indicate a collapse in the party wall between 6015 and 6017 Spruce Streets. Commissioner Williams, of Licenses and Inspections, says there is no previous history of violations or complaints for either property.
Jannie Blackwood of City Council says, “It just seems so shocking because this is such a stable block.”
L&I officials say the two row homes are imminently dangerous and will need to be knocked down.
The homeowner, Chris Chapman, says there was some cracks and bending in the doorway before her home came down.
Sources
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/07/07/breaking-houses-collaps...
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2014/07/07/several...
Jul 8, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.localsyr.com/story/d/story/active-search-underway-for-vi...
Officials: 4 people dead after 4 homes leveled during storm in Madison County
Madison County (WSYR-TV) - 4 people were killed when 4 homes were destroyed in Madison County during a severe storm on Tuesday, according to the county sheriff's office.
60 people have been involved in a search effort, the sheriff said.
Crews plan to continue searching Wednesday.
The homes were located on Goff Road in the Smithfield area.
The storm swept through the area around 7:14 p.m., according to the sheriff.
Several other homes were damaged.
The area is located about 12 miles northeast of Cazenovia.
Jul 9, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/25986587/worker-killed-in-haltom-city...
Worker killed in Haltom City partial building collapse
Posted: Jul 10, 2014 11:08 AM EDTUpdated: Jul 10, 2014 4:40 PM EDT
One man was killed and two others were injured when part of the upper level of an industrial building in Haltom City collapsed.
It happened around 9 a.m. Thursday at the old Hawk Electronic building on Airport Freeway.
Haltom City officials said the building was being renovated. Part of the 2-inch concrete and steel reinforced second floor fell, trapping workers below.
"Approximately a quarter of the second floor roof and side had collapsed in what's called a slant collapse where one end is still attached and the other end had dropped down," said Deputy Fire Chief Fred Napp.
The victim died at the scene. The two injured workers refused medical treatment.
Crews worked to stabilize the building.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Jul 11, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.tunezcity.com/2014/07/school-building-collapses-in-osun-...
School Building Collapses In Osun State, Two Injured
A Mega School in Osun State has collapsed injuring two people in the process. The incident which occurred around 6.05 am on Wednesday, 9th of July, 2014, threw the entire community into pandemonium after the sound of a loud bang was heard when the building, which is the main hall of the newly completed school, caved in.
Reacting to the incident, the government said it regrets to inform members of the public about the incident of the collapse of the main hall of the newly completed ultramodern High School, Ejigbo, but it should be of note that all necessary quality assurance tests were carried out to ensure structural durability and integrity of the project, just as in all other projects under its administration, a statement from teh Director, Bureau of Communications and strategy, Mr Semiu Okanlawon read.
Jul 11, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2014/07/134335/video-several-dead-a...
Video: Several Dead and Injured After Collapse of Three Residential Buildings in Casablanca
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzRam6UTe0k
The accident has reportedly claimed the life of several people, at time when members of the fire department (Protection Civile) are battling to save more lives from under the rubble.
More than 70 people are reportedly under the rubble. The accident, which took everybody by surprise, happened an hour before dawn while people were sleeping. Two of the buildings were completely flattened.
Dozens of police cars and fire trucks were dispatched to the scene of the accident to rescue the victims and determine the cause of the collapse.
http://news.yahoo.com/casablanca-buildings-collapse-kills-4-injures...
Jul 11, 2014
KM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2694190/Derelict-seven-stor...
Derelict seven-story building collapses in West London showering road in rubble and leaving Tube station with no power
By EMMA GLANFIELD
PUBLISHED: 10:50 GMT, 16 July 2014 | UPDATED: 11:27 GMT, 16 July 2014
A derelict seven-storey building collapsed suddenly onto a busy street in West London leaving a Tube station without power and forcing the evacuation of a bus station.
Witnesses have told how it sounded ‘like a bomb going off’ when part of the 125ft high office block in Hounslow High Street fell to the ground – showering a busy road in rubble – yesterday afternoon.
Hounslow West Tube Station was left without power during rush hour following the incident and a nearby bus station had to be evacuated by police over concerns for safety.
Witnesses said it sounded 'like a bomb going off' when part of the 125ft high office block in Hounslow High Street fell to the ground - showering a road in rubble and cutting off the power supply to Hounslow West Tube
Part of the seven-storey office block's front was left hanging off at an awkward angle and debris was left strewn across the main road following the incident which is believed to have been a sudden accident
Despite Hounslow House being scheduled for demolition, it is thought the huge collapse was an accident which may have been caused by a crane plunging into the front of it.
Part of the office block’s front was left hanging off at an awkward angle and debris was left strewn across the main road following the incident.
Sam Gibbs, who was just yards from the building as it collapsed, described it as ‘terrifying’.
Jul 16, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.mumbaiblogs.in/2014/07/two-dead-six-injured-in-building-...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9QUkmOc1cM
Jul 16, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/3-reported-killed-a...
Three people were reportedly killed and 11 injured on Friday when the roof of a building in China collapsed, when people were taking shelter from heavy rain.
SHENZHEN: Three people were reportedly killed and 11 injured on Friday when the roof of a building in China collapsed in heavy rain.
According to Chinese media outlets Nfdaily and China News, the roof collapsed on a bank in Shenzhen at about 11.30am on Friday. At the time of the incident, there were between 20 and 30 people taking shelter from heavy rain at the entrance of the bank.
Caijing.com.cn reported that eight of those reported hurt sustained minor injuries.
CCTV also reported that rescuers were still searching for victims.
China on Friday braced for Super Typhoon Rammasun heading for its southern coast after the storm left a trail of destruction and at least 54 dead in the Philippines.
Xinhua said Rammasun was expected to be the strongest typhoon to hit Hainan in 40 years.
Jul 18, 2014
Tracie Crespo
http://news.msn.com/us/prison-roof-in-texas-collapses-19-inmates-in...
Prison roof in Texas collapses, 19 inmates injured
DIBOLL, Texas (AP) — Authorities say the roof of a privately run East Texas prison has collapsed, temporarily trapping dozens of inmates and sending 19 injured inmates to hospitals.
One of those inmates was later airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston after the Saturday collapse at Diboll Correctional Center, about 100 miles northeast of Houston. Neither his identity nor his condition has been released.
In a statement, a prison spokesman said the other inmates suffered cuts and bruises when wallboard fell from the ceiling of a housing area at the prison about 11:30 a.m.
Spokesman Issa Arnita said 86 inmates were in the area when the ceiling material fell. He said officials are trying to determine the cause.
The 518-bed minimum-security facility is operated by Centerville, Utah-based Management & Training Corp.
Jul 20, 2014
Mark
Nigeria Struggles to Explain Building Collapses: blame given to 'Quacks' as not a single person has been found at fault in 130 investigations
http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/07/group-blames-quacks-building...
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A group, Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), has blamed quacks or use of wrong professionals for virtually all the buildings that have collapsed in the country.
The blame was made by a civil engineer, Friday Chukwu, at a press conference organised by the BCPG at the secretariat of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.
While noting that building collapse has become a recurring decimal in Nigeria, Chukwu pointed out that in Lagos alone, more than 140 building collapse incidences have been reported over the past seven years, saying that is an average of 20 reported incidences per year.
According to him, “The causes of building collapse range from design lapses to poor construction practices through inadequate quality of construction materials to even wrong use of the facility, among other factors.
“As we all know, the best design in the world is worthless if it is not faithfully implemented at the site. We find that everyone who holds a trowel and a spirit level in his hands, for instance, is automatically called ‘engineer’ at site.
“The issue of premature loading must also be mentioned. Sometimes on our sites, contractors or developers or owners are in such a hurry that newly cast concrete is often not allowed to cure sufficiently and attain reasonable strength before being loaded.
“The BCPG came on board, having identified the above issues with individual and collective determination to fight the menace of building collapse.
‘Thee BCPG is a coalition of professionals from the seven built environment professions with the common objective to identify, inform, act against building collapse in Nigeria as well as push for use of professionals and the stamping out of quacks in the built environment sector.
“The panel of inquiry instituted by the Lagos State Government on building collapse last disclosed in their report that in over 130 building collapse cases investigated, no professional was indicted in any of the collapse incidences.
“This means that quacks or use of wrong professionals has been responsible for these collapses and they have been denting our image,” Chukwu said.
Jul 23, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.kbhbradio.com/news/portion-of-new-underwood-road-in-mead...
Portion of New Underwood Road in Meade County collapses
Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2014 7:34 am
News Staff & KOTA-TV
RAPID CITY, S.D. - A big section of a rural Meade County road has collapsed. Over the weekend, a stretch of New Underwood Road fell away. It is 15 miles north of Interstate 90, the major north-south connector between I-90 and Highway 34.
New Underwood Road is the only asphalt connection between the northern part of South Dakota and Interstate 90 between Phillip and Sturgis. It is a well-traveled route to the oil fields and sees a lot of reservation traffic. The road was built in 1990. Engineers suspect the shale under the road expanded with all the spring moisture and is now contracting as it dries out.
Ken McGirr, Meade County Highway Superintendent says, "What I see is an unbudgeted expense. At this point, we have no idea what this will cost us, what the cure is. Our engineers are going to work on it. We may need to just flat move the road over to the west away from this."
McGirr says 700 to 800 cars pass on this road every day. In the next couple of days, he will close New Underwood road to all but local traffic. It will be strictly enforced. And he expects it to stay closed through the winter.
Fixing the sink hole is now Meade County's main priority. McGirr guesses it will cost well over $1 million to fix.
Jul 23, 2014
Mark
Nigeria Also Questions the Quality of its Cement While Trying to Explain the Huge Number of Building Collapses They Are Experiencing
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/opinion/columnist/171791-onyekakeyah...
The ongoing war on cement grade followed the spate of building collapse. It is no longer news that several buildings have collapsed across the country killings hundreds of people and destroying property worth billions. The bulk of these ugly incidents have occurred in Lagos. Port Harcourt, Abuja, Owerri and recently Onitsha have also had their own incidents.
Today, there are few states in the federation that have not witnessed disastrous building collapses. No one knows where and when the next building would collapse and who would be the unfortunate victims. But it is emerging that most of the collapsed buildings are the newer structures; the older buildings are stable and unaffected.
Initially, it was thought that the buildings collapsed due to heavy rain and flooding (most of the buildings caved in during the rainy season). But the trend shows that this is not true. Buildings have collapsed during the dry season. Besides, the bulk of the collapsed buildings were those under construction, which point to the materials being used or other engineering issues. What started as one off incident has assumed frightening dimension and threatening the entire building industry. It is an indication that something is wrong somewhere.
Faced with such enigmatic and embarrassing situation, there was need to investigate the root of the problem. Government cannot fold its arms while innocent people are sent to their early graves. Although, cement is not the only material used in building construction, stakeholders in the building industry pointed accusing fingers at the cement quality manufactured in Nigeria. The coalition of civil society groups and professional bodies in the building industry raised the alarm and alleged that cement is the culprit behind the spate of building collapse.
Jul 24, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.firstpost.com/india/vadodara-three-family-members-killed...
Vadodara: Three family members killed in building collapse
Jul 26, 2014 11:52 IST
Vadodara: Three members of a family, including a woman, were killed and another injured when a dilapidated building collapsed in Vadodara this morning following heavy rains. The family was residing in the three-storeyed building in Dandiya Bara locality which caved in after heavy rains last night.
Vinod Rao, District Collector, said, "It was an old building in dilapidated condition. The injured (an elderly woman) has been shifted to the SSG Hospital for treatment while the debris has been removed."
"Despite a notice being issued for repairing the building, no steps were taken to either repair it or shift the residents to another site," he said.
Representational image of an earlier building collapse in Mumbai. PTI
H J Tapariya, Chief Fire Officer, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, said the deceased were identified as V Vaidya (50), his wife Shweta (46) and their son Kunal (21). V Vaidya's mother, aged 82, was injured.
Meanwhile, as many as 710 people staying in low-lying areas here were shifted to safer places after heavy rain lashed the city, said K S Menat, Deputy Municipal Commissioner.
Vadodara recorded about 131 mm rainfall in just four hours last night, flooding low-lying areas, he said.
Meanwhile, efforts were continuing to trace the two persons, Suresh Rathodiya and Bharat Rathodiya, who were swept away in swollen Dhadhar River at Sokhda Raghu village in the district on Thursday, Menat said.
Jul 26, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.in.com/news/current-affairs/wall-collapse-in-delhi-kills...
WALL COLLAPSE IN DELHI KILLS FOUR PEOPLE
last updated on August 01, 2014 at 11:03 pm
New Delhi: Four persons were killed on Friday when a wall of an under construction building collapsed in Hari Nagar area in West Delhi, the fire department said.According to a fire service official, a call was received at 7:20 pm regarding the collapse of wall of the under construction building."A team of fire officials were rushed to the spot and four bodies of labourers, who were working there, was recovered from the debris of the wall of the under construction building," said the official.The incident took place in L-block area of Hari Nagar when the labourers were working at the site, he said.Delhi Police has also confirmed that four persons, aged between 25 and 35, have died in the incident."The identities of the deceased have not been established yet and further investigation regarding the owner of the said building is going on," said a senior police official adding that the bodies have been sent to hospital for postmortem.PTI
Aug 2, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/3-of-a-Family-Die-as-T...
3 of a Family Die as Three-storey Building Collapses
By Express News Service
Published: 07th August 2014 08:55 AM
KOCHI: Three persons belonging to a family died after a three-storey building collapsed on Pipeline Road, Kunnathery Junction, near Aluva on Wednesday night.
The deceased are Shajahan alias Shaji, 48, his wife Saifuneesa, 34, and their daughter Ayesha, 13.
Ayesha’s brother Sabir had a miraculous escape as he jumped out of the building when it collapsed. Sabir has been admitted to the nearby hospital with minor injuries.
Ayesha was rescued from the debris but she succumbed to injuries on the way to hospital. The bodies of Shaji and Saifuneesa were later recovered by rescuers from the debris.
The incident occurred around 8.45 pm when the ground floor of the house sank after the basement caved into the ground. The rescue operations were led by the Fire and Rescue Services department with the help of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The 10-year-old building had been renovated only three months ago.
According to the Fire and Rescue Services officials, the rescue operation was hampered by the heavy downpour lashing the area. However, the rescue operations resumed after a short while. The building structure tilted towards the road. Rescuers reached the spot within 15 minutes and started the operations.
The building owner Shaji was staying on the top floor while the first and ground floor have been rented out. A workshop and a flour mill were operating there. The migrant labourers who were staying inside the workshop had a narrow escape as the building collapsed.
Sources said that the building collapsed as the foundation was weak.
Meanwhile, District Collector M G Rajamanickam told mediapersons that the NDRF and the Fire and Rescue Services personnel were involved in the rescue operations.
Aug 7, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://fox4kc.com/2014/08/07/emergency-crews-rush-to-partial-buildi...
Emergency crews rush to partial building collapse at church in Northeast KC
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Crews were responding to an emergency situation, reported as a partial building collapse, at Independence Ave. and Benton Blvd. Thursday morning at about 10:45.
Initially there were reports that first responders were preparing for injuries, but after arriving and evaluating, Kansas City, Mo., police tweeted that everyone was out and there were no injuries.
The building is used by Rios De Aqu Diva, a church. There were children attending either a daycare or a Vacation Bible School at the time the structure started crumbling.
They have been placed in buses, away from the building. Parents are asked to contact Herminio Leal at 816-309-0938 to inquire about their children. The pick-up point for parents to respond is Independence Ave. and Gladstone Blvd.
Aug 7, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/thailand-building-...
Thailand building collapse kills 3, traps 7
BANGKOK — A six-story building under construction on the outskirts of Thailand’s capital collapsed Monday, killing three workers and trapping at least seven others underneath the rubble, police said.
Emergency teams rescued seven people from the site and were trying to free the rest, police Maj. Gen. Smithi Mookdasanit said.
Smithi said there were about 30 workers in the area at the time of the collapse. It was unclear what caused the accident.
Aug 11, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.salamancapress.com/news/article_0aa0c79c-231a-11e4-a269-...
Collapsed road strands some residents in Jimersontown
“It’s kind of like a snow day,” he said, noting he sent photos of the road’s damage to his employer so they’d believe him. “There’s no clear way out of here but this road.”
Old Route 17 runs parallel to Interstate 86 between Salamanca and Steamburg but is a dead end on each side of the Allegheny River. The rest of the road, which hasn’t been maintained since the late 1980s, is divided by the decrepit Red House Bridge.
That means the road is the only way back into Salamanca for those who live on Old Route 17 or Breed Run Road, which also is a dead end and intersects about a quarter mile west of the wash out.
Aug 13, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.destinyconnect.com/2014/08/18/eight-die-in-alberton-buil...
Eight die in Alberton building collapse
August 18, 2014
The Labour Department has dispatched a team of inspectors to investigate the collapse of a building today that killed eight in Meyersdal, Alberton, south-east of Johannesburg
“The department has dispatched a team of inspectors to investigate, after which they will issue a preliminary report on the cause of the accident,” the department said in a statement.
The department said Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant had sent her condolences to the families of those who were killed when the house collapsed at the Meyersdal Eco Estate.
ER24 said eight people had been killed, and that the the six who were injured had been taken to hospital.
Two of the 27 builders working on the house were still missing under the rubble, spokeswoman Luyanda Majija said.
Ekurhuleni emergency spokesman William Ntladi said: “The total is eight for now, but the search is still going on. This number might change.”
The Meyersdal Eco Estate confirmed the accident.
“Today, at approximately 10.30am, a structure at the house of one of our residents, which was undergoing alterations collapsed,” it said in a statement. “Emergency services are still involved in rescue operations and the families of the affected workers have yet to be informed.”
Security at the upmarket estate was tight as non-residents were questioned before they were allowed access. Some were turned away.
The estate’s attorney Andrew Boerner said they were waiting for an update from emergency services.
“We ask the media to await the official statement from emergency services until such time as they have completed their rescue operation,” he said outside the gates of the estate. “We are liaising with emergency services and providing our full co-operation to them and the contractor.”
The Meyersdal Eco Estate is the property from which two giraffes were removed last month.
The giraffes were being transported on the N1 highway on a truck when one of them hit its head on a bridge and died. Last week, the Gauteng agriculture department said the estate was being investigated over whether it had the correct permits to bring in and keep giraffes.
Aug 18, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/unit-block-evacuated-in-collaroy-as-groun...
Unit block evacuated in Collaroy as ground collapses in heavy rain
August 19 2014 9:35am
The collapse happened within four metres of a unit block. Photo: Fire & Rescue NSW
A block of units has been evacuated in Sydney's northern beaches after the ground caved in at a neighbouring building site, threatening the structure of the residential building.
Images show the ground has fallen in several metres on the building site on Frazer Street in Collaroy, while a driveway has also collapsed.
A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesman said the collapse occurred within four metres of the unit block, forcing the evacuation of all residents. A gas pipe was also ruptured, but crews had stopped the leak, the spokesman said.
Part of the driveway of a unit block collapsed. Photo: NSW Fire & Rescue
Residents raised the alarm at 5am on Tuesday when the ground collapsed after several days of heavy rain in the area.
Aug 19, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/xinhua-news-agency/140819/b...
August 19, 2014 10:45am
Building collapse kills five in northwest China
XI'AN, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed and two others injured after a building which was under construction suddenly collapsed Tuesday morning in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
The house was located in the Lintong District, which is home to the Terra Cotta warriors on the outskirts of Shaanxi's capital Xi'an, about 30 kilometers away from the city center, local authorities said.
The two-storey building was close to completion and workers were painting the wall when the accident happened, burying seven. They were soon pulled out and sent to hospital, where five died. The other two are still being treated, but their injuries are not life-threatening.
Photos circulating the internet showed that the building was made of bricks. The cause of the accident is not yet known.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/08/19/crews-respond-to-partia...
Partial Building Collapse In Queen Village
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Chopper 3 over the scene of a partial building collapse in the Queen Village section of the city.
It happened around 3:15 p.m. Tuesday at the 900 block of S. Front Street.
The collapse occurred on the third floor of the building that houses “For Pete’s Sake Pub” on the first floor and two apartments above it.
Aug 20, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://dailypost.ng/2014/08/27/four-storey-church-building-collapse...
Four-storey church building collapses in Abia
By Ali Adoyi on August 27, 2014@dailypostngrThe Punch reports that no life was lost in the incident as nobody was at the site when the building collapsed.
Eyewitness account says the building which was at its final stage of completion before the tragedy collapsed around 10am after heavy rainfall that lasted for hours.
An elder in the church, Mr. Awom Samuel, while speaking with pressmen after the incident disclosed that the contractors in charge of the building were alerted earlier, after having noticed that there were cracks on the wall of the building.
Wondering why the building collapsed after so much money was expended to put it up, he stressed that the contractor has several questions to answer.
In response to the development, the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, said it had commenced investigations into the incident.
Another source who pleaded not to be named said the use of substandard materials led to the disaster, assuring that the entire truth would be uncovered after proper investigations.
Aug 29, 2014
Mark
Child killed in Paris building collapse
http://www.dw.de/child-killed-in-paris-building-collapse/a-17891113
The explosion which led to the collapse of the four-story building in a northeastern Paris suburb occurred Sunday morning local time (0500 UTC).
The fire department reported that one child had been killed, and about 10 people, some of them seriously wounded, were evacuated from the rubble.
"We could still find living victims in the hours to come," fire department spokesman Gabriel Plus told French television channel iTele. According to varying news agency reports, up to a dozen people were still unaccounted for.
French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, who was at the site of the collapsed apartment building in Rosny-sous-Bois, told reporters the blast appeared to have been caused by a gas leak, though he could not confirm that theory.
Sep 2, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://tribune.com.pk/story/757109/tragedy-nine-dead-as-two-buildin...
Tragedy: Nine dead as two buildings collapse
At least nine people died while many more were injured when two buildings in Chorri Mohallah, Hyderabad, collapsed on Tuesday. PHOTO: INP
HYDERABAD: Nine people, including women and children were killed, and as many were injured as two buildings collapsed in the densely populated bangle manufacturing area in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
One of the buildings, a three-storey structure which is said to be over 40-year-old, had a bangle furnace on its ground floor where the refining and finishing works were done by the labourers.
Most of the deceased and injured belonged to the same family. Although the government is yet to officially establish the cause of the collapse, the area’s residents believe that the furnace had weakened the structure.
Mukhtiar Ali, a resident, said that the building was owned by Yameen Siddiqui alias Chaudhry who lived with his brothers and their families. “Chaudhry’s building fell down over Akhtar Hussain’s building, and razed it to the ground,” he said.
The deceased have been identified as 61-year-old Akhtar Hussain, Almas,60, Ayesha,40, 35-year-old Hoor Bano, Rashid Mukhtiar, 30, Konain, 10, six-year-old Abdul Basit, six- year-old Maryam and Kanwal.
The injured include Nabi Baksh, Noor Bano, Qamar Jehan, Haris, Khalid Ahmed, Hyder Ali, Anam, Misbah, Rabia, 25, Jibran, Zafar, 16, Ali Raza, Yousuf Rashid, Nimrah and Ghazanfar.
They were all taken to the civil hospital, where the condition of at least four of the injured is said to be critical, according to Dr Shaukat Lakho, the additional medical superintendent.
Sep 3, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/bedford-park-house-collapse-l...
Bedford Park house collapse leaves 1 dead
'Pancake collapse' destroys house under renovation
CBC News Posted: Sep 09, 2014 2:48 PM ET Last Updated: Sep 09, 2014 7:41 PM ET
Toronto house collapse RAW 3:33
One man is dead after a house under renovation in Toronto’s Bedford Park neighbourhood collapsed on Tuesday.
The collapsed house had stood between the two houses visible here. (Stephanie Matteis/CBC)
The house was destroyed in what firefighters call a "pancake collapse," in which the whole house fell directly down in one motion.
Three people were trapped. One man freed himself from under the house and another man was rescued.
The third man was pronounced dead around 4 p.m., said Bob O'Hallaran of Toronto Fire Services. He said it would be late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning before firefighters are able to recover the body.
The middle house, pictured here from a Google Maps image, collapsed on Tuesday. (Google Maps)
Rubin Costa, a construction worker who had been working on the home, told CBC News the man who died was 19 years old and had been digging in the basement when the house collapsed.
Costa said the crew was putting an addition onto the back of the house.
Around 11 trucks and 45 firefighters responded to the house collapse.
Police were called to the home at Brookdale Avenue and Greer Road, about halfway between Avenue Road and Yonge Street, north of Lawrence Avenue West, after 2 p.m.
The city has closed Greer Road to traffic between Fairlawn Avenue and Brookdale Avenue.
Sep 10, 2014