Authorities conducted a search operation to locate missing residents after a portion of a six-story apartment building in Davenport, Iowa collapsed on Sunday, May 28.
The collapse took place around 5pm, instilling panic among the residents as they frantically attempted to evacuate the crumbling structure of 84 commercial and residential units.
Officials report that twelve people were initially escorted out of the building when it collapsed and an additional seven were rescued in the first hour. On Monday, two more people were rescued from the collapsed building, with a woman, Lisa Brooks, found alive late Monday night under a couch. Five people are unaccounted for but only two people are thought to be still in the building; subsequent rescue attempts have not located any additional residents in need of extraction.
Residents had previously voiced concerns about the condition of the building. City officials confirmed that repair permits were active at the time of the incident. The precise cause of the collapse has yet to be identified, though firefighters noted a large natural gas leak and water seeping from several floors.
The extent of injuries sustained by those inside the building at the time of the collapse remains unclear, and survivors are currently seeking alternative housing.
The search for more survivors presents a challenge for first responders due to the risk of secondary collapses. Fire Chief Michael Carlsten expressed concern over the building’s stability, remarking, “We are uncertain about the structural integrity of the building… Our priority is to ensure the safety of our first responders as they proceed with caution.”
Mayor Mike Matson reinforced the primary focus on rescue efforts, emphasizing that the apartment complex is still considered an emergency scene.
Before the collapse, the building’s owner had secured permits to address issues with the exterior bricks. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the downtown area to ensure their safety as law enforcement and rescue teams continue their operations.
City officials announced on Monday that the building’s owner has been ordered to demolish the remaining structure, but a plan for safe dismantlement must be in place. Authorities will conduct a thorough investigation into the underlying causes of the collapse.
City officials acknowledged that they had received several complaints from residents about repairs needed in the building. Owners were under city orders to make upgrades to the property.