Resident hurt after building partially collapses during storm in Uxbridge, Massachusetts
UXBRIDGE - One person was hurt after a building partially came down during a storm Wednesday night in Uxbridge, Massachusetts.
Collapsed during rainstorm
It happened at a brick building on South Main Street at around 9 p.m. in the middle of pounding rain and relentless wind.
"They fell a good 20 feet or more," said Orlando Corona.
Eight people living inside got lucky, evacuated just moments before the facade broke through the roof below. Now bricks cover a closed down Menden Street.
"This building has been here for a long time," said Corona. "It's sad that this has fallen down."
One resident was injured and taken to a local hospital. Fire officials said they blame the storm and the building's weak structure for the collapse.
"We believe it was water load on the roof," said Uxbridge Fire Chief Thomas Dion.
Future of building unknown
An engineer will determine the future of the century-old building. The damage was so severe the town is concerned vibrations from nearby train tracks could further collapse the building.
"When the train comes through, we'll just have it slow down," said Dion.
Despite the uncertainty, neighbors are hoping the building they walked past every day can be saved.
"I love these old, kind of plain-looking buildings because they have so much historical value to the town," said Corona.
According to police officials, the one person with minor injuries is expected to be OK. The engineer has yet to determine what's next for the building.
