2 Displaced After Vacant Rowhome Partially Collapses In Point Breeze
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Authorities responded to the partial collapse of a vacant rowhome in South Philadelphia Wednesday afternoon, two days after a wall already collapsed in the same property.
The incident was reported around 3:30 p.m. at the 1900 block of Morris Street.
Authorities say no one was hurt but the Red Cross says they are helping a family of two adults who live nearby.
Rebecca Swanson, L&I spokeswoman, said they received a call on Monday regarding a wall collapse in the vacant rowhome. She said they issued an order to the owner to make the property safe within 10 days.
L&I inspectors are still investigating and Swanson says the owner now needs to start work immediately to make the property safe and if he does not do so, they will act.
The owner, who lives nearby, purchased the property in May in a sheriff's sale.
Inspectors are still on the scene. Swanson says two adults, one from each side of the vacant rowhome, are displaced because of safety concerns. She says they will be staying with family until it is safe to return. Swanson says a city-approved contractor will begin work Wednesday night to make the property safe and get the displaced residents back in their homes as soon as possible.
