Famed Watergate hotel parking structure collapses
At least one person is reported injured after two floors of the parking structure at Washington D.C.'s famed Watergate hotel collapsed.
A "three tier structure" collapsed in a "pancake effect," D.C. Fire Department spokesperson Tim Wilson told CBS News. Wilson says every construction worker has been accounted for. One person has suffered minor injuries, but the injuries were not serious or life threatening.
One woman was just loaded onto an ambulance. She was conscious and had her hand over her face. #Watergate pic.twitter.com/3Lhko1BfVj
— Nancy Cordes (@nancycordes) May 1, 2015
Watergate management announced the "partial collapse" early Friday morning.
"Please be aware that the Watergate Complex has suffered a partial collapse of two garage levels. A portion of the B-3 garage level is affected. The area around the Watergate East is cordoned off and access and exit to the area is restricted," Watergate building General Manager Jim Nitschke told residents in an email. "The fire department has directed that we take the precaution of evacuating the building and the plant that provides hot water, heat and cooling will be turned off as the situation is evaluated."
Cars in the parking structure were also affected by the structure.
#watergate garage collapse. That Mazda to the left is our ride. Photo by @_minhtran pic.twitter.com/YElp3jgk3d
— Elliott Munoz (@elliottmunoz) May 1, 2015
D.C. Fire and EMS crews have responded to the scene. The 2600 block of Virginia Avenue NW has been closed due to the incident.
CBS News' Nancy Cordes and Duncan McKenna contributed to the report.