WORCESTER, MASS. (WHDH) - A 32-unit apartment building in Worcester was evacuated after a large portion of the roof caved in on Friday.
According to officials, it is likely the roof could not withstand the weight of the roofing materials resting on it.
“This just shouldn’t be able to happen,” said resident Jacob Elbirt. “If I had been standing underneath that opening when it happened, I would be very injured.”
Residents streamed out of the building at approximately 9:30 a.m., carrying stacks and bundles of belongings. Some reported water spewing out of their light fixtures seconds before the ceiling collapsed.
Peter Clark was at work when a neighbor called him to report what had happened. When the Worcester man arrived, he staged a rescue operation for his service dog Molly, still trapped inside.
“When I went in, there is no floor. And I called her and she came out and she had to tip-toe like across up against the wall because there was nothing for her to walk on,” said Clark.
Soon after the initial collapse of the ceiling, several balconies on the side of the building collapsed as well.
No timetable was provided as to when residents may be able to enter their apartments again but temporary housing was provided for those displaced by the accident.
Worcester city officials released a statement on Facebook, saying in part “We would like to express our deepest sympathies for the families who lost their homes and possessions during the partial building collapse on Mill Street today.”
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