Cause Of House Collapse Revealed As Community Unites For Family

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — The cause of a house collapse that killed a 38-year-old woman has been revealed, as the community comes together to help her family left behind in the tragedy's aftermath.

Leonard Busch Associates PC found that the house on the 1800 block of South Broad Street on Monday was caused by “chronic long-term water penetration,” according to the report that was released by the township.

That water penetration resulted in the extensive deterioration of at least one block, which gave way Monday morning, leading to the collapse. The report found that the two-story home fell straight down. The report said the collapse would’ve been hard to predict, and that “such an occurrence is consistent with a prior lack of evident structural distress,” such as cracking, misalignment or bulging in the structure.

In 2013, the property passed housing codes for a certificate of occupancy approval. Officials previously told nj.com that they had responded to the same house, which was a rental unit, 14 years ago for a popping sound. However, there was no reason at that time to believe the house was structurally unsound.

The collapse occurred just before 7 a.m. on Monday, July 23. Tika Justice was killed in the collapse as she shielded her 16-year-old daughter. The 16-year-old and Justice’s 20-year-old daughter were both hospitalized.

A neighbor found the 20-year-old in the rubble. She had already called 911. The 16-year-old was injured worse than her sister, who plans to stay by her bedside until she can come home, according to NBC 10.

The township is partnering with Saint Phillips Baptist Church and the John O. Wilson Neighborhood Service Center on a collection drive to benefit the family.

From Thursday, July 26, through Saturday, Aug. 4, residents will be able to bring clothing donations to the church or the service center, the township announced. Items requested for the drive include shoes (women’s Sizes 10 & 11), clothes/outfits (Large, X-Large and XX-Large) and undergarments (Large, X-Large). Gift Card Donations will also be accepted.

The church is 445 Parkinson Avenue in Hamilton. Collections will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The church's phone number is 609-394-3887.

The service center is located at 169 Wilfred Avenue. Collection is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The center's phone number is 609-393-6480.

A fundraiser was launched to help Justice's family, including her brother Brushaun Davis. Davis will now be out of work while helping his displaced nieces according to the Fundraiser for the Family of Tika gofundme page. As of Wednesday, the page had raised $1,405.

See related: NJ Mom Died In House Collapse As She Lived: Protecting Her Kids

The attached image of Tika Justice was posted on the Fundraiser for the Family of Tika gofundme page.