Overview
- A section of brick facade and attached scaffolding fell onto East Galena Boulevard just after 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, sending debris into the street and prompting an immediate evacuation of the building.
- Three people suffered minor injuries and are expected to recover, and officials say a car was beneath the fallen scaffolding but no one was inside at the time.
- Fire and police crews used drones to inspect the upper structure and performed targeted water operations to carry out a controlled collapse of unstable portions to prevent further failures.
- City records show the building had prior exterior problems and an active permit for non-structural facade work, and the city and the unnamed owner are coordinating engineering and structural reviews.
- Investigators have opened an inquiry, road closures and cleanup continue through downtown Broadway and Galena, and residents and businesses face ongoing traffic disruptions and safety inspections.