News
February 19, 2025

Video Captures Sudden Collapse of Apartment Building in Massachusetts

Caroline Raffetto

A dramatic video surfaced over the weekend showing the sudden collapse of an apartment building in eastern Massachusetts, leaving several residents displaced and a vehicle crushed under rubble.

The incident occurred early on Sunday morning, around 10 a.m., when Brookline Police and Fire Departments responded to reports of a building collapse. Upon arrival, authorities found that the top two floors of the three-story structure had completely caved in, as reported by the police department in a Facebook post.

Eyewitness Account and Immediate Reactions

Nearby resident Rym Baouendi, who was shoveling her sidewalk just a few feet from the building, was shaken by the unexpected event. In an interview with WBZ-TV, she recalled the moment she heard the collapse, and her immediate reaction was one of concern for her neighbors.

building collapse in Massachusetts ...
"I was just screaming, saying, 'My neighbors! My neighbors!' I thought they were in the car. But luckily no one was there, and it seems like no one was hurt," Baouendi shared with the news outlet.

Video Footage and Building Status

The video footage captures the moment the building crumples to the ground. According to local authorities, the building had been under construction at the time of the collapse and was unoccupied, with no injuries reported.

"It appears the building was under construction and vacant at the time of the collapse and there are no reported injuries," the police department's post stated. "Several of the adjacent buildings were evacuated as a precaution."

Damage and Aftermath

The impact of the collapse was significant, causing damage to multiple vehicles and the building next door. Deputy Fire Chief Kyle McEachern told The Boston Globe that six residents had been displaced as a result of the incident. These individuals were placed in temporary shelters while crews worked to clean up the area.

"The collapse also caused significant damage to neighboring properties, but we are relieved that no injuries were reported," McEachern said.

Investigation and Possible Causes

The apartment building, which had been vacant and under construction, was ultimately demolished after the collapse. While the exact cause of the collapse remains undetermined, reports suggest that the heavy snowstorm that had struck the area over the weekend could have contributed to the building's structural failure.

In response to the incident, the Town of Brookline issued a statement to The Globe, confirming that the "building permits for this site are active and valid," indicating that all necessary approvals were in place at the time of construction.

Looking Ahead

Local authorities and engineers will continue to investigate the cause of the collapse to determine if additional precautions need to be implemented for other construction sites in the area. Residents in the nearby buildings are being kept informed, with safety being the top priority in the aftermath of this unsettling event.

As the cleanup process continues, the community remains on edge, relieved that no lives were lost in this unusual and dangerous incident.

Originally reported by Amaris Encinas in USA Today.

News
February 19, 2025

Video Captures Sudden Collapse of Apartment Building in Massachusetts

Caroline Raffetto
Compliance
Massachusetts

A dramatic video surfaced over the weekend showing the sudden collapse of an apartment building in eastern Massachusetts, leaving several residents displaced and a vehicle crushed under rubble.

The incident occurred early on Sunday morning, around 10 a.m., when Brookline Police and Fire Departments responded to reports of a building collapse. Upon arrival, authorities found that the top two floors of the three-story structure had completely caved in, as reported by the police department in a Facebook post.

Eyewitness Account and Immediate Reactions

Nearby resident Rym Baouendi, who was shoveling her sidewalk just a few feet from the building, was shaken by the unexpected event. In an interview with WBZ-TV, she recalled the moment she heard the collapse, and her immediate reaction was one of concern for her neighbors.

building collapse in Massachusetts ...
"I was just screaming, saying, 'My neighbors! My neighbors!' I thought they were in the car. But luckily no one was there, and it seems like no one was hurt," Baouendi shared with the news outlet.

Video Footage and Building Status

The video footage captures the moment the building crumples to the ground. According to local authorities, the building had been under construction at the time of the collapse and was unoccupied, with no injuries reported.

"It appears the building was under construction and vacant at the time of the collapse and there are no reported injuries," the police department's post stated. "Several of the adjacent buildings were evacuated as a precaution."

Damage and Aftermath

The impact of the collapse was significant, causing damage to multiple vehicles and the building next door. Deputy Fire Chief Kyle McEachern told The Boston Globe that six residents had been displaced as a result of the incident. These individuals were placed in temporary shelters while crews worked to clean up the area.

"The collapse also caused significant damage to neighboring properties, but we are relieved that no injuries were reported," McEachern said.

Investigation and Possible Causes

The apartment building, which had been vacant and under construction, was ultimately demolished after the collapse. While the exact cause of the collapse remains undetermined, reports suggest that the heavy snowstorm that had struck the area over the weekend could have contributed to the building's structural failure.

In response to the incident, the Town of Brookline issued a statement to The Globe, confirming that the "building permits for this site are active and valid," indicating that all necessary approvals were in place at the time of construction.

Looking Ahead

Local authorities and engineers will continue to investigate the cause of the collapse to determine if additional precautions need to be implemented for other construction sites in the area. Residents in the nearby buildings are being kept informed, with safety being the top priority in the aftermath of this unsettling event.

As the cleanup process continues, the community remains on edge, relieved that no lives were lost in this unusual and dangerous incident.

Originally reported by Amaris Encinas in USA Today.