Pitcairn daycare building torn down after structural collapse
PITCAIRN, Pa. (KDKA) -- A Pitcairn day care building that collapsed on Sunday morning has been torn down.
The fire marshal said the collapse on Sunday was caused by water and moisture damage that over time rotted wood and rusted steel.
Crews worked overnight to tear down the building following the collapse.
Pitcairn police have confirmed that this was a structural collapse and not an explosion.
Lavette Malloy Smith, who owns the building, said she's grateful no one was in the day care at the time of the collapse and that she was able to relocate most of the children to the Wilmerding location.
Residents who live nearby say the sound of the collapse could be heard throughout the neighborhood.
"I looked out the door and sure enough the roof collapsed on the day care," said Mecca Raid, whose granddaughter attends the day care.
The Pitcairn Fire Department captain told KDKA-TV that several children and staff members are in the building during the week and says he's thankful it was on a Sunday morning when everyone was home.
Crews began tearing down the building almost immediately after being deemed unsafe. The fire marshall said the collapse was a direct cause of water moisture damage in the vacant part of the building.
"Due to that, when you have increased weight of water from rain, poor weather or aging of the roof when it's not properly maintained or possibly needs a replacement, you sometimes have a structural collapse and that's what we had there," Alvin Hussey said.
The owner said she's unsure what she'll do with the lot once it's cleared.