A residential building in Newark, New Jersey, unexpectedly collapsed on Friday, resulting in six injuries and the destruction of three apartments. The incident occurred at a property managed by the Newark Housing Authority on South Pine Lane around 6 p.m. Among the injured, one individual sustained serious injuries, while five others were hospitalized. One person declined medical treatment. The critically injured individual was transported to the burn unit at Saint Barnabas Hospital.
The collapse led to the displacement of thirteen families who were residing in the building. These families have been temporarily relocated to hotels and provided with meals as investigators sift through the rubble. The property, funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is currently under investigation. The Red Cross is also providing aid to those affected by the incident.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, speaking at a news conference, described the incident as a traumatic event. He assured that the city is fully supporting the Housing Authority in providing necessary assistance to the displaced residents. He further stated that residents would not be allowed to return to the property until it is deemed safe.
Witnesses reported feeling the building shake during the collapse, with windows being blown nearly a hundred feet away from the apartments. The building’s parking lot was covered in shards of glass. One resident recounted the terrifying moment when their door was blown open by the force of the collapse.
Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Frage announced at the news conference that the complex’s gas was shut off as part of the ongoing investigation into the cause of the collapse. At this time, officials have not confirmed whether a gas explosion was the cause of the damage.