Crews respond to building collapse in Central City
By Bella DardanoAshley Hamilton,
27 days ago
NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — Crews with the New Orleans Fire Department and New Orleans Police Department responded to a building collapse in Central City on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The NOPD reported that a building in the 1400 block of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard collapsed around 5:35 p.m., leaving several parked vehicles damaged.
“Sounded like a bomb went off,” said one nearby resident.
The roof of the building caved in, causing the second floor to collapse. A nearby barber says one of the debris-covered cars could have been his.
“I had my nephew wash my car across the street. As soon as I told him to move it over here, as soon as I told him to move it over here, the building collapsed in 40 seconds. Mind-blowing just that fast like that,” said nearby barber Walter.
(Courtesy: New Orleans Fire Department Chief C. Mickal)
(Courtesy: New Orleans Fire Department Chief C. Mickal)
(Courtesy: New Orleans Fire Department Chief C. Mickal)
While some are shocked it happened, residents aren’t confident it will be demolished referencing how several buildings in New Orleans are in similar condition.
“He has been trying to sell the building. It’s just going to sit there, look at it. I mean it’s been raggedy. No one was trying to fix it because it just fell out of the blue out of nowhere,” said New Orleans resident Josh.
NOPD officials said no injuries were reported and the intersection is closed until further notice.
As the fire department and city authorities investigate the cause of the incident, others believe the building should be torn down due to its prolonged vacancy with a for-sale sign displayed for years.
“For years and years, it’s no telling how they would redo it, but it’s been sitting a long time. Demolish it and come back up,” said Walter.
The cause of the collapse is under investigation.
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