Iowa building collapse — live: Davenport officials stall apartment demolition after admitting five missing
Five tenants of the Iowa apartment building that collapsed on Sunday are still unaccounted for, city officials admitted during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
More than 36 hours after the rear section of a six-storey apartment complex on 324 Main Street collapsed, Davenport Mayor Mike Matson revealed that local police have been unable to locate five residents.
“The Davenport Police Department has been working diligently to account for the [residents] of the building ... Five individuals are still unaccounted for, two of those we believe to possibly be still in the building,” Mr Matson said.
Mr Matson’s statement comes amid protests by family members outside of the site of the collapse after the city announced plans to begin a demolition process. On Tuesday morning, a crowd gathered in front of the building with signs reading “Corruption Collapses Communities” and chanting “Save Branden, save Ryan!”
Experts said the structure, built in the 1900s is extremely unstable. Because of the layout of the building, with the rear brick part holding together much of the steal structure, officials said there were likely no void spaces where trapped victims could have shielded.
Authorities said its brittle condition is worsening with time and the possibility of another collapse is now imminent.
“We want to get everyone out, we want to do it right now,” Fire Marshal J Morris said as he broke down in tears at Tuesday’s press conference. “So understand, it’s not that we don’t want to do this ... it’s that we have to do it in a safe manner.”
Key Points
Search continues for survivors of horror building collapse
Residents say building was known to have issues: ‘Our bathroom caved in December'
Gas leak noted as possible cause as fire chief warns of secondary collapse
‘Everything just fell down'
Family of woman rescued from Iowa building collapse reveal how screams saved her from demolition
06:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
A woman who was rescued nearly 24 hours after the collapse of her apartment building in Davenport, Iowa, narrowly escaped getting caught up in a planned demolition. Her family are crediting her escape not to rescue crews but to people shouting her name from the street.
Lisa Brooks was speaking with a relative on the phone when her six-storey apartment complex on 324 Main Street fell down on Sunday evening. Eight people were rescued within the first twelve hours of the tragedy, but there were no signs of Ms Brooks.
For an entire day, family members hoped for a miracle amid reports by city officials that demolition was imminent as the structure was too unstable. But at the eleventh hour, Ms Brooks was rescued by firefighters after she managed to call her daughter and alert authorities to her whereabouts.
Ms Brooks’ great-granddaughter Pauletta Joeanna told The Independent on Tuesday that Ms Brooks was unconscious for a long time. She attributed her great-grandmother’s last-minute escape in part to family members who were at the scene. Dramatic footage posted by Ms Joeanna also shows Ms Brooks escape as she is lowered to safety by a firefighter.
“She’s at home, she’s fine now. She had passed out under the couch and the only reason she woke up is because we were yelling her name,” Ms Joeanna said.
Family of woman rescued from Iowa building collapse reveal how screams saved her
What caused the collapse?
06:10 , Andrea Blanco
The cause of the collapse has not been determined, officials said. After responding to the scene, authorities found a gas leak after the collapse and water also had leaked throughout the floors of the structure.
Rich Oswald, City of Davenport director of development and neighbourhood services, said that work was being done on the building’s exterior after reports of bricks falling from the building last week.
WATCH: Five people still unaccounted for 36 hours after Iowa building collapse
05:00 , Andrea Blanco
ICYMI: Iowa officials laid plans to demolish a collapsed building. Then they admitted people could still be trapped
04:00 , Andrea Blanco
Search efforts have been called off but at least two residents of the building complex remain unaccounted for, Andrea Blanco reports.
Officials planned to demolish a collapsed Iowa building. Are survivors still trapped?
IN PICTURES: Horror collapse of apartment building in Davenport, Iowa
03:00 , Andrea Blanco
Several tenants still unaccounted for, mayor says
02:01 , Andrea Blanco
More than 36 hours after the rear section of a six-storey apartment complex on 324 Main Street collapsed, Davenport Mayor Mike Matson revealed that local police have been unable to locate five people who were at the building during the tragedy.
“The Davenport Police Department has been working diligently to account for the [residents] of the building ... Five individuals are still unaccounted for, two of those we believe to possibly be still in the building,” Mr Matson said.
WATCH: Davenport residents demand rescue teams keep searching collapsed building for survivors
01:00 , Andrea Blanco
Iowa officials finally admit that up to five residents are still missing following building collapse
Wednesday 31 May 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco
Officials in Iowa have finally admitted that up to five residents are still missing following the collapse of a six-story apartment building – after previously claiming there were no credible reports of missing people and making plans to demolish the block while people could still be trapped inside.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp has more:
Iowa officials admit up to five residents are still missing after building collapse
Ninth person rescued on Tuesday
Tuesday 30 May 2023 22:57 , Andrea Blanco
A woman was rescued more than a day after a six-story apartment building partially collapsed in Davenport, Iowa, and after city officials pushed for it to be demolished, saying it was in “imminent danger” of coming down.
Protesters urged for a delay, concerned that people could still be trapped inside.
Protesters carried signs Tuesday morning near the building site, saying “Find Them First” and asking “Who is in the Rubble.” Some used a megaphone to shout out names of building residents.
The city said in a statement that it has been “continually evaluating the timing of the demolition” and that “the building remains structurally insecure and in imminent danger of collapse.”
WATCH: Ninth person rescued from wreckage of Iowa building collapse
Tuesday 30 May 2023 21:56 , Andrea Blanco
Mayor recounts first responders’ desperate attempts to save lives
Tuesday 30 May 2023 20:40 , Andrea Blanco
Davenport Mayor Mike Matson praised first responders for risking their lives with their swift response and decried criticism sparked after the search was called off.
He said surgeons were performing trauma surgeries in the surroundings of the collapsed building and firefighters had gone inside void places that were extremely dangerous to get into, with the only focus to save lives.
“All of those folks got here in the middle of the night, immediately assessing ... [knowing] that thing is unsafe and going anywhere,” he said.
“There heroes that have gone inside this building ... get off of that. Do you want to come at somebody? Here, I’m standing right in front of you. They’re the people who are saving lives.”
WATCH: Davenport residents demand rescue teams keep searching collapsed building for survivors
Tuesday 30 May 2023 20:20 , Andrea Blanco
Shocking photos reveal cracks inside Iowa apartment building before horror collapse
Tuesday 30 May 2023 20:00 , Andrea Blanco
A resident posted on TikTok she moved out of an apartment at the collapsed building just weeks ago.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp has more:
Shocking photos show cracks inside Iowa apartment building before horror collapse
Iowa officials finally admit that up to five residents are still missing following building collapse
Tuesday 30 May 2023 19:40 , Andrea Blanco
Officials in Iowa have finally admitted that up to five residents are still missing following the collapse of a six-story apartment building – after previously claiming there were no credible reports of missing people and making plans to demolish the block while people could still be trapped inside.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp has more:
Iowa officials admit up to five residents are still missing after building collapse
Family recounts tenant’s last minute rescue
Tuesday 30 May 2023 19:15 , Andrea Blanco
Lisa Brooks was speaking with a relative on the phone when her six-storey apartment complex on 324 Main Street fell down on Sunday evening. Eight people were rescued within the first twelve hours of the tragedy, but there were no signs of Ms Brooks.
For an entire day, family members hoped for a miracle amid reports by city officials that demolition was imminent as the structure was too unstable. But on the eleventh hour, Ms Brooks was rescued by firefighters after she managed to call her daughter and alert authorities to her whereabouts.
Ms Brooks’ great-granddaughter Pauletta Joeanna told The Independent on Tuesday that Ms Brooks was unconscious for a long time. She attributed her great-grandmother’s last-minute escape in part to family members who were at the scene. Dramatic footage posted by Ms Joeanna also shows Ms Brooks escape as she is lowered to safety by a firefighter.
“She’s at home, she’s fine now. She had passed out under the couch and the only reason she woke up it’s because we were yelling her name,” Ms Joeanna said.
WATCH: Five people still unaccounted for 36 hours after Iowa building collapse
Tuesday 30 May 2023 18:55 , Andrea Blanco
Authorities say another collapse is imminent
Tuesday 30 May 2023 18:23 , Andrea Blanco
Experts said the structure, built in the 1900s is extremely unstable. Because of the layout of the building, with the rear brick part holding together much of the steal structure, officials said there were likely no void spaces where trapped victims could have shielded.
Authorities said its brittle condition is worsening with time and the possibility of another collapse is now imminent.
City official breaks down as he tries to explain demolition plans with two people still unaccounted for
Tuesday 30 May 2023 17:49 , Andrea Blanco
Fire Marshal J Morris broke down in tears as he told attendees at a press conference on Tuesday that city officials had to move on with demolition plans despite reports that two people are still trapped in the rubble.
Mr Morris explained that the structure is too unstable to continue rescue and recovery operations.
“We want to get everyone out, we want to do it right now,” he said. “So understand, it’s not that we don’t want to do this ... it’s that we have to do it in a safe manner.”
Five people still unaccounted for, mayor says
Tuesday 30 May 2023 17:20 , Andrea Blanco
More than 36 hours after the rear section of a six-storey apartment complex on 324 Main Street collapsed, Davenport Mayor Mike Matson revealed that local police have been unable to locate five people who were at the building during the tragedy.
“The Davenport Police Department has been working diligently to account for the [residents] of the building ... Five individuals are still unaccounted for, two of those we believe to possibly be still in the building,” Mr Matson said.
Building collapse survivor was rescued after family members yelled her name
Tuesday 30 May 2023 17:00 , Andrea Blanco
Lisa Brooks, who lived in apartment 403, was speaking with a relative on the phone when the building collapsed on Sunday.
For more than 24 hours, family members hoped for a miracle amid reports that demolition was expected to begin this week. But on the eleventh hour, Ms Brooks was rescued by firefighters after she managed to call her daughter and alert authorities to her whereabouts.
Ms Brooks’ niece Pauletta Joeanna told The Independent that Ms Brooks was unconscious for a long time and woke up after hearing her desperate relatives calling for her.
“She’s at home, she’s fine now. She had passed out under the couch and the only reason she woke up it’s because we were yelling her name. Now we’re looking for Branden,” Ms Joeanna said.
Will a demolition begin before missing tenants are accounted for?
Tuesday 30 May 2023 16:47 , Andrea Blanco
The Davenport Police Department has yet to account for all known residents of the building in a news release Monday night.
Yet, plans to demolish the building continued amid protests by family members concerned that their loved ones could still be under the rubble.
The release did not indicate how many people are unaccounted for, but two men, Ryan Hitchcock and Branden Colvin, are feared by family members to still be in the building, The Times reported.
According to a city strategy officer, it is unclear when the physical demolition will start, but plans to file for permits and begin the staging of construction equipment at the scene is expected to kick off on Tuesday.
A presser will be held shortly.
Press conference to begin shortly
Tuesday 30 May 2023 16:35 , Andrea Blanco
City officials will address demolition plans at a press conference scheduled for 10.30am CDT.
Firetruck blocks protestor’s view of the wreckage
Tuesday 30 May 2023 16:16 , Andrea Blanco
Davenport fire has blocked off the view of protestors. pic.twitter.com/GY0JB1YXug
— Gretchen Teske (@peskyteske) May 30, 2023
Tenant dramatically rescued more than 24 hours after collapse
Tuesday 30 May 2023 15:54 , Andrea Blanco
Nine people have been rescued from the wreckage as of Tuesday morning and no deaths have been reported, according to Davenport Fire Chief Michael Carlsten.
The ninth person rescued was Lisa Brooks, The Quad-City Times reported early Tuesday, more than 24 hours after the collapse — and following statements by Mr Carlsten on Monday evening that “no one was believed to be trapped” under the wreckage.
Her granddaughter Pauletta Joeanna had previously told The Independent that Ms Brooks, who lived in apartment 403, was on the phone with another relative when the building collapsed.
Ms Joeanna posted dramatic video of Ms Brooks’ rescue on Facebook.
City officials to hold press conference
Tuesday 30 May 2023 15:38 , Andrea Blanco
Authorities will address the community at 10am CDT.
Timing of physical demolition unclear
Tuesday 30 May 2023 15:32 , Andrea Blanco
In a statement to KWQC, a city strategy officer said:
“In the interest of public safety, the City has been continually evaluating the timing of the demolition of 324 Main Street since its initial collapse 36 hours ago.”
“Demolition is a multi-phase process that includes permitting and staging of equipment that will begin today. The timing of the physical demolition of the property is still being evaluated. The building remains structurally insecure and in imminent danger of collapse.”
Protesters decry demolition plans: ‘Save Branden, save Ryan!'
Tuesday 30 May 2023 15:23 , Andrea Blanco
City officials acknowledged that the Davenport Police Department has yet to account for all known residents of the building in a news release Monday night.
Yet, plans to demolish the building continued amid protests by family members concerned that their loved ones could still be under the rubble.
The release did not indicate how many people are unaccounted for, but two men, Ryan Hitchcock and Branden Colvin, are feared by family members to still be in the building, The Times reported.
On Tuesday morning, a crowd gathered in front of the building with signs reading “Corruption Collapses Communities” and chanting “Save Branden, save Ryan!”
Locals demand officials hold off on demolition plans as people remain missing
Tuesday 30 May 2023 15:00 , Rachel Sharp
Two men believed missing in collapsed building – but officials plan to demolish it today
Tuesday 30 May 2023 14:30 , Rachel Sharp
Residents say that at least two men are still unaccounted for following the collapse of the apartment building.
Family members and local residents have been searching for Branden Colvin and Ryan Hitchcock, who have not been seen since the building partially collapsed on Sunday.
Officials meanwhile claim that there is no credible evidence of anyone still missing and are planning to demolish the dwelling on Tuesday.
Some residents announced on social media that they are planning to protest at the site on Tuesday morning to stop the demolition going ahead while people could still be trapped inside.
Demolition to begin today
Tuesday 30 May 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco
Municipal council member Kyle Gripp said in an update on Monday evening that the building is not salvageable and will be torn down on Tuesday. No residents will be allowed back into the building before demolition begins due to its unstable condition.
“The owner of the property has been served with a notice and order for demolition of the property,” Mr Gripp said.
“The property is currently being secured by a contractor on site this afternoon and demolition is expected to commence in the morning.”
Ninth person rescued from collapsed building
Tuesday 30 May 2023 13:30 , Rachel Sharp
A ninth person has reportedly been rescued from the wreckage of a building collapse in Davenport, Iowa - hours after officials claimed no one was known to be trapped and began laying plans for demolition.
The rescue of Lisa Brooks was reported by The Quad-City Times early Tuesday morning. Her family said she had been unaccounted for since a large section of the six-storey red brick apartment complex collapsed around 5pm Sunday.
City officials acknowledged that the Davenport Police Department has yet to account for all known residents of the building in a news release Monday night.
The release did not indicate how many people are unaccounted for, but Ms Brooks is presumed to have been on the list.
Read the story here:
Ninth person rescued from wreckage of Iowa building collapse as demolition plans laid
WATCH: Davenport residents demand rescue teams keep searching collapsed building for survivors
Tuesday 30 May 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco
