Wall Collapse Near Tompkins Square Park Forces Evacuations: FDNY

EAST VILLAGE, NY — Three buildings near Tompkins Square Park were evacuated for around three hours Tuesday as firefighters investigated a partial wall collapse on East 10th Street, officials said.

Emergency responders rushed to 301 E. 1oth St. at about 3:30 p.m. after receiving reports of an unstable wall at the back of the building, according to the FDNY. Three buildings at 299, 301, and 303 E. 10th St. were evacuated as a precaution, a spokesman said. By 6:30 p.m., residents were able to return back to their homes, the 9th Precinct tweeted.

“They just told us to get out, so I got out,” said Angel Barreto, who has been a superintendent at 303 E. 10th St. for 10 years.

Barreto said the majority of the tenants were at work when the collapse occurred.

A family of five and their pet dog fled 299 E. 10th at about 4 p.m., one family member said.

“I’m concerned. I don’t want my building falling. It’s scary,” said Curt Keller, who has lived in the building for 50 years.

Structural engineers from @NYC_Buildings have deemed the building on East 10 Street to be safe, allowing residents back into their homes. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic is also back open.
Thank you for your patience. #EastVillage #NYPD pic.twitter.com/83HeMNrTlG
— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) February 26, 2019

Twelve units and 60 firefighters rushed to the scene and no injuries were immediately reported, the FDNY said.

DOB received a call from FDNY around 4 p.m. as well as two 311 complaints around the same time, Rudansky said.

East 10th St. between Aves. A and B was temporarily closed late this afternoon.

By 6:30 p.m., the street was re-opened, the NYPD 9th Precinct tweeted. DOB deemed the building safe and residents were able to return to their homes by the evening as well, the precinct said.

"Thankfully, nobody [was] injured during a partial collapse at 301 E 10th Street," tweeted Councilmember Carlina Rivera, who represents the neighborhood.

The building at 301 E. 10th St. is a vacant, 4-story building with a 3-story extension to its rear that was under renovation, according to Department of Buildings spokesperson Andrew Rudansky.

Rudansky said a brick wall at the rear of the building's extension partially collapsed on Tuesday, which damaged the ceiling and wall of the second floor.

The building is not in danger of collapsing, according to Rudansky, but there is a partial vacate order of the neighboring buildings' rear yards.

The investigation is ongoing, said Rudansky.