Home Left Uninhabitable After Collapse: Officials

MCHENRY, IL -- A home in McHenry was left uninhabitable after part of its foundation collapsed Thursday night, authorities said.

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded around 9 p.m. to a report of a residential structural collapse in the 4200 block of West South Street, and crews first at the scene found the foundation at the rear of a single-family home had collapsed, according to a news release from the fire district.

A family of five, including two young children, was able to get out of the home safely as firefighters arrived on scene. Crews searched the unaffected areas of the house to ensure no other occupants or pets remained inside, according to the news release.

Nicor, ComEd and the City of McHenry Building Department were called to the scene to shut off utilities and help prevent additional damage to the structure. Firefighters also secured the homeowner’s fence to prevent anyone from entering the collapse area.

Officials said the home remains unstable and uninhabitable.

Authorities believe severe weather and significant rainfall may have contributed to the structural failure. The city’s building department plans to continue its investigation once storms move out of the area, according to the news release.

The American Red Cross was requested to assist the displaced family with temporary shelter and access to basic necessities.