Apartment Roof Collapse Displaces 67 in Manassas

Crews evacuated two apartment buildings overnight after one building saw a partial roof collapse and the other showed signs of a potential collapse.

Assistance groups are helping find shelter for 67 residents displaced — each building housed 12 units.

Building officials will determine the cause, but it appears to be the more than 2 feet of snow that fell across the Manassas area since Friday afternoon.

“Roof collapses occur during extreme weather, in this incident it was due to the weight of the snow,” said Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin McGee.

Crews responded at 12:30 a.m. Sunday to the 10900 block of Coverstone Drive in Manassas.

Initial reports indicated residents were trapped due the location of the collapse: a center portion of the building which leads to an exit.

No residents were injured. One firefighter sustained a facial cut.

Roof Collapse Warnings

“Prior to a collapse, the building will display warning signs, residents should look and listen for those signs,” Chief McGee said.

Visual Indicators

• Roof sagging, from indoors or outdoors, the snow’s weight is too heavy for the building.
• Sprinkler heads that are pushed out, below the ceiling, might be indicators of a damaged structure.
• Utility pipes attached at the ceiling might also begin to bend or warp from the changing shape of the building’s structure.
• Doors and Windows (due to the frame warping under the weight of the snow)
• Doors pop open on their own.
• Doors are difficult to open and close.
• Windows are difficult to open and close or begin breaking.

Sounds

Sounds of soft creaking and cracking are common in new and old buildings and homes. However, if you hear soft popping or creaking sounds more often, or only, during the presence of snow on your roof it’s an indication that the structure is under stress.

If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, remove snow from the roof immediately, before conditions worsen. Should any area crack or break, vacate the building immediately and call 911!

More information on the Dos and Don’ts of Snow Removal.