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Iowa building collapse – live: Survivor lost leg in rescue as two others feared trapped in Davenport wreckage
A resident of the collapsed building in Davenport, Iowa, had her leg amputated by rescuers trying to free her from the rubble.
Lexus Berry and her wife Quanishia had just taken pictures of a separation between a wall and the bathroom doorway in their apartment when the building came down around 5pm on Sunday. Lexus managed to run to safety but her wife and their cats became trapped in the wreckage.
Quanishia was rescued on Monday morning, but in order to free her from the rubble, surgeons and first responders that to amputate her leg above the knee. She is now recovering in hospital and is on a ventilator, his wife told The Quad-Cities Times.
“There was a lot of debris and things surrounding her and her legs were pinned down,” Lexus told the outlet. “They were able to get one leg out, but the other leg in order to get her out, they had to amputate it. It was a scene that I’ll never forget.”
Two men, Ryan Hitchcock and Branden Colvin, are believed to still be trapped under the wreckage, as the city revealed plans to proceed with demolition due to the building’s brittle condition.
Key Points
Iowa officials finally admit that up to five residents are still missing following building collapse
Family of woman rescued from Iowa building collapse reveal how screams saved her from demolition
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'
Photography intern reunited with cat after collapse
15:05 , Andrea Blanco
Elizabeth Pruitt, an intern at The Quad-Cities Times, had moved into The Davenport less than 24 hours before its collapse. Ms Pruitt, originally from Missouri, saw the listing online, said she felt the images she saw in the online listings and on a videocall with the property management were not how the building really looked inside.
“The first thing I notice when I walk in the building is how gross it is, how unclean it is. And I don’t mean it hasn’t been cleaned in a month. It truly seems like it hasn’t been cleaned in years,” she told the Times.
Ms Pruitt, who had brought her cat Lulu in the move, left to go to Target on Sunday evening. When she returned, the rear part of her building was gone.
“I said, ‘That’s my building.’ And I just break down. I rushed to the cop that’s near me, and I’m trying to get information and he doesn’t tell me anything. He just tells me a building collapsed,” Ms Pruitt said. “I tell him, ‘That’s my apartment. My stuff’s inside. My cat’s inside.’ And he just says, ‘Well I can’t let you in. Nobody’s going in.’”
Her biggest worry was Lulu, Ms Pruitt said. And for nearly 48 hours, she anxiously waited for updates until a coworker informed her the Humane Society of Scott County had rescued her.
“All I read was, ‘We have Lulu,’ and I cried,” she said.
Ms Pruitt is receiving donations through a GoFundMe to cover her losses.
Family of woman rescued from Iowa building collapse reveal how screams saved her from demolition
14:30 , Joe Sommerlad
Lisa Brooks’ family tell The Independent: ‘She had passed out under the couch and the only reason she woke up is because we were yelling her name.’
Family of woman rescued from Iowa building collapse reveal how screams saved her
Iowa officials say ‘computer glitch’ changed inspection record for collapsed Davenport building
14:00 , Joe Sommerlad
When permit records for an Iowa building that collapsed this past weekend were mysteriously changed after the tragedy, city officials blamed a “computer glitch”. Skeptical members of the community aren’t convinced it was a mistake.
Five tenants are still unaccounted for after a large portion of a six-storey apartment complex in Davenport fell down on Sunday night. Authorities have said they now face a challenging decision as engineers warned another collapse of the remaining structure is “imminent” - but at least two men, Ryan Hitchcock and Branden Davis, are feared to be trapped in the existing wreckage.
The announcement of demolition plans less than 24 hours after the collapse, before city officials even acknowledged they had been unable to locate several residents, sparked outrage within the community who as protesters gathered at the site. The eleventh-hour rescue of a tenant who had passed out under a couch and awoke to the sound of family yelling her name also heightened concern that the men could be alive under the rubble.
Officials say ‘computer glitch’ changed inspection record for collapsed Iowa building
Surviving tenant of Iowa collapsed building reveals wife lost leg in rescue
13:30 , Joe Sommerlad
While Lexus Berry escaped the collapsed on Sunday, her wife Quanishia and their two cats became trapped under the rubble.
The Independent has more:
Surviving tenant of Iowa collapsed building reveals wife lost leg in rescue
Contractor says he warned Davenport building owner of likely collapse
13:03 , Joe Sommerlad
A contractor has said he warned the owner of the residential building that collapsed in downtown Davenport, Iowa, on Sunday that the disaster was imminent.
Speaking to The Quad-Cities Times, Ryan Shaffer, co-owner of local firm RA Masonry, said he was working on another building close to the six-storey 324 Main Street complex when he was approached by the latter property’s owner, Andrew Wold, about potential work, only for Mr Wold to walk away saying the quote was too high.
“He wanted to cut the cost by cutting out the shoring and supporting of the building,” Mr Shaffer said.
“I said, ‘If we don’t do it this way exactly, I’m not putting my guys in there. Somebody is going to die.’”
Mr Wold appears to have subsequently shopped around for a cheaper firm to carry out the work and found an alternative business that would do it for less, as reflected by city records.
ICYMI: Cats, snakes and lizard rescued from the wreckage
12:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
The Humane Society of Scott County announced on Tuesday night that several animals were rescued and reunited with their humans.
“We recovered 6 cats, 2 snakes, and 1 lizard, which were all the pets reported on our form that weren’t in one of the apartments where the building collapsed,” the non-profit announced on Tuesday night. “We’ve already reunited 4 cats, the 2 snakes, and the lizard with their owners, and the other two will be reunited shortly!”
Five tenants are still unaccounted for, at least two of them are believed to be trapped in the wreckage.
Humane Society of Scott County
Iowa officials face a gruelling decision
12:00 , Andrea Blanco
Experts have 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 steel structure, officials said there were likely no void spaces where trapped victims could have taken shelter.
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 Marshall Jim 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.”
Officers weigh further searches of precarious building
11:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Officials are accessing whether further searches are possible as the wreckage poses a significant safety risk for crews who may enter, Davenport Fire Marshal Jim Morris said.
“You can’t run up to a pile of bricks and rocks and just start throwing things off – as much as we want to,” Mr Morris said at Tuesday’s news conference.
“It’s not that we don’t want to do this. It’s the fact that we have to do it in a safe manner. … We’re going to reevaluate how safe we can be in order to get in there and not currently make the situation any worse.”
IN PICTURES: Horror collapse in Davenport, Iowa, as five still unaccounted for
11:00 , Andrea Blanco
Surviving tenant of Iowa collapsed building reveals wife lost leg in rescue
10:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
A survivor of the partially collapsed building in Davenport, Iowa, has revealed her wife had her leg amputated by rescuers trying to save her.
Lexus and Quanishia Berry were taking pictures of a crack between a wall and the bathroom doorway when the rear part of their building came down around 5pm on Sunday. Lexus was standing on a part of the structure that didn’t collapse, but in a matter of seconds, her wife and two cats disappeared under the rubble.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, first responders worked tirelessly to evacuate tenants, initially rescuing seven people from the wreckage. For the first 12 hours that authorities were unable to locate Quanishia, her wife stayed in the area, anxiously waiting for updates and holding onto hope that Quanishia had survived the ordeal.
On Monday morning, search crews finally located Quanishia, who was trapped under debris.
Surviving tenant of Iowa collapsed building reveals wife lost leg in rescue
Cats, snakes and lizard rescued from the wreckage
10:00 , Andrea Blanco
The Humane Society of Scott County announced on Tuesday night that several animals were rescued and reunited with their humans.
“We recovered 6 cats, 2 snakes, and 1 lizard, which were all the pets reported on our form that weren’t in one of the apartments where the building collapsed,” the non-profit announced on Tuesday night. “We’ve already reunited 4 cats, the 2 snakes, and the lizard with their owners, and the other two will be reunited shortly!”
Five tenants are still unaccounted for, at least two of them are believed to be trapped in the wreckage.
Humane Society of Scott County
ICYMI: Desperate search for survivors after apartment building collapses in Iowa
09:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
A desperate search is underway to rescue potential survivors of an apartment building collapse in Davenport, Iowa.
Part of a red brick building on the city’s Main Street collapsed at around 5pm Sunday, with stunning photos showing at least one-fourth of the structure’s units destroyed. As of Monday morning, a total of eight people had been rescued from the wreckage.
Davenport Fire Chief Michael Carlsten said during a press conference that no deaths have been reported and the number of potential missing remains unknown.
Mr Carlsten added that the cause of the collapse has not been determined but residents had been placing several 911 calls reporting a “strong smell of gas.”
Desperate search for survivors after apartment building collapses in Iowa
WATCH: Video shows dramatic aftermath of building collapse in Iowa
09:00 , Andrea Blanco
Surviving tenant of Iowa collapsed building reveals wife lost leg in rescue
08:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
A survivor of the partially collapsed building in Davenport, Iowa, has revealed her wife had her leg amputated by rescuers trying to save her.
Lexus and Quanishia Berry were taking pictures of a crack between a wall and the bathroom doorway when the rear part of their building came down around 5pm on Sunday. Lexus was standing on a part of the structure that didn’t collapse, but in a matter of seconds, her wife and two cats disappeared under the rubble.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, first responders worked tirelessly to evacuate tenants, initially rescuing seven people from the wreckage. For the first 12 hours that authorities were unable to locate Quanishia, her wife stayed in the area, anxiously waiting for updates and holding onto hope that Quanishia had survived the ordeal.
On Monday morning, search crews finally located Quanishia, who was trapped under debris.
Surviving tenant of Iowa collapsed building reveals wife lost leg in rescue
Building owner named as defendant in civil enforcement action
08:00 , Andrea Blanco
The city has been in contact with the building owner Andrew Wold, Mr Morris said on Tuesday.
State agencies are coordinating what agency will take the lead in the investigation but no criminal charges have been filed yet.
Iowa court records reviewed by The Independent on Wednesday show that Mr Wold and Davenport Hotel LLC are listed as defendants in a civil enforcement action brought by the City of Davenport on 30 May.
Mr Wold was given a $300 fine for failing to keep the building “safe, sanitary and structurally sound condition,” WQAD reports.
Iowa officials say ‘computer glitch’ changed inspection record for collapsed Davenport building
07:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
When permit records for an Iowa building that collapsed this past weekend were mysteriously changed after the tragedy, city officials blamed a “computer glitch”. Skeptical members of the community aren’t convinced it was a mistake.
Five tenants are still unaccounted for after a large portion of a six-storey apartment complex in Davenport fell down on Sunday night. Authorities have said they now face a challenging decision as engineers warned another collapse of the remaining structure is “imminent” - but at least two men, Ryan Hitchcock and Branden Davis, are feared to be trapped in the existing wreckage.
The announcement of demolition plans less than 24 hours after the collapse, before city officials even acknowledged they had been unable to locate several residents, sparked outrage within the community who as protesters gathered at the site. The eleventh-hour rescue of a tenant who had passed out under a couch and awoke to the sound of family yelling her name also heightened concern that the men could be alive under the rubble.
Officials say ‘computer glitch’ changed inspection record for collapsed Iowa building
Structure of collapsed building becomes more brittle as time passes, experts say
07:00 , 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.
Watch: Video shows dramatic aftermath of building collapse in Iowa
06:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Iowa officials say ‘computer glitch’ changed inspection record for collapsed Davenport building
06:00 , Andrea Blanco
The structure was undergoing permitted repairs at the time of the tragedy, officials said.
Read more:
Officials say ‘computer glitch’ changed inspection record for collapsed Iowa building
Iowa officials laid plans to demolish a collapsed building. Then they admitted people could still be trapped
05:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
City officials in Davenport, Iowa, have admitted that five residents of the building that collapsed this weekend are still unaccounted for – a day after announcing plans to proceed with the demolition of the unstable structure.
A rear section of The Davenport, a six-storey apartment complex on 324 Main Street, collapsed at around 5pm on Sunday following reports last week that bricks were falling off the building and several complaints from tenants about their living conditions.
Nine people have been rescued from the wreckage as of Tuesday morning, according to Davenport Fire Chief Michael Carlsten. The ninth person rescued early Tuesday, more than 24 hours after the collapse, was Lisa Brooks — following statements by Mr Carlsten on Monday evening that “no one was believed to be trapped” under the wreckage.
“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 Brooks’ niece Pauletta Joeanna told The Independent.
Davenport Mayor Mike Matson admitted during a press conference on Tuesday that the Davenport Police Department has yet to account for five residents of the building. Two of them, Ryan Hitchcock and Branden Colvin, are feared to still be in the building.
Officials planned to demolish a collapsed Iowa building. Are survivors still trapped?
WATCH: Ninth person rescued from wreckage of Iowa building collapse
05:00 , Andrea Blanco
Iowa officials say ‘computer glitch’ changed inspection record for collapsed Davenport building
04:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
When permit records for an Iowa building that collapsed this past weekend were mysteriously changed after the tragedy, city officials blamed a “computer glitch”.
Skeptical members of the community aren’t convinced it was a mistake.
The Independent has more:
Officials say ‘computer glitch’ changed inspection record for collapsed Iowa building
Woman moved out of building weeks before collapse due to cracks on the walls
04:00 , Andrea Blanco
Aurea Monet lived in a studio in the six-storey apartment building for around seven months, moving out just eight weeks before the block partially collapsed on Sunday.
In a series of TikTok videos, she says that she broke the lease on the rental unit and moved out after noticing huge cracks on both the inside and outside walls of her apartment.
The cracks started to develop after construction work began on the property, she says.
In the video, Ms Monet says “they started construction a while back and during that time I noticed a crack above my outlet”.
She says it was “much smaller at first” but then the crack “progressed over my time being there”.
Demolition plans laid as two tenants feared trapped under wreckage
03:00 , Andrea Blanco
City officials said in an update on Monday evening that the building is not salvageable and would be torn down.
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,” Council member Kyle Gripp said.
“The property is currently being secured by a contractor on site this afternoon and demolition is expected to commence in the morning.”
Fire Marshall J Morris said on Tuesday that authorities faced a challenging decision, as experts recommend a demolition as soon as permitting is obtained, while family members fear that their loved ones are still alive under the rubble.
Johnnie Woods told The Des Moines Register that her nephew Branden Colvin, who lived in a fifth-floor apartment in the building, did not show up for a family gathering on Sunday night. The family’s attempts to locate him since have been unsuccessful.
Ms Woods said a neighbour of Mr Colvin’s told her he’d seen him moments before the collapse. Mr Colvin’s vehicle was also in the building’s parking lot and had to be towed after the tragedy.
“My other nephews and other people have been trying to call his phone, and he’s not answering his phone,” Ms Woods told the Register. “So we’re assuming something, that he can’t talk, his phone is dead, or something. Really, we don’t know anything.”
Ms Woods said she learned Ryan Hitchcock was also unaccounted for during a meeting with police on Monday. A woman who police said is related to Mr Hitchcock noted during the press conference on Tuesday that she agreed with demolition plans.
“I was completely mortified about the protests. These people raising a voice, and they don’t know Ryan,” Amy Henderson said. “The city does have a plan and pushing for any delays ... it’s one more day that he’s under there. Ryan wouldn’t want anyone else to put their lives at risk unfortunately for someone who probably has not survived.”
During another search on Tuesday night, several animals were rescued but there were ni signs of human activity, officials said.
What caused the collapse?
02:00 , 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
01:00 , Andrea Blanco
Iowa officials laid plans to demolish a collapsed building. Then they admitted people could still be trapped
Thursday 1 June 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco
City officials in Davenport, Iowa, have admitted that five residents of the building that collapsed this weekend are still unaccounted for – a day after announcing plans to proceed with the demolition of the unstable structure.
Read more:
Officials planned to demolish a collapsed Iowa building. Are survivors still trapped?
WATCH: Ninth person rescued from wreckage of Iowa building collapse
Wednesday 31 May 2023 22:38 , Andrea Blanco
Iowa officials say ‘computer glitch’ changed inspection record for collapsed Davenport building
Wednesday 31 May 2023 21:24 , Andrea Blanco
When permit records for an Iowa building that collapsed this past weekend were mysteriously changed after the tragedy, city officials blamed a “computer glitch”.
Skeptical members of the community aren’t convinced it was a mistake.
The Independent has more:
Officials say ‘computer glitch’ changed inspection record for collapsed Iowa building
Iowa officials face a grueling decision: Putting rescue teams in hazard to look for missing tenants or risking demolition with victims still trapped inside
Wednesday 31 May 2023 20:30 , Andrea Blanco
Experts have 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 steel structure, officials said there were likely no void spaces where trapped victims could have taken shelter.
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,” Mr 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.”
Former tenant recounts issues with collapsed building
Wednesday 31 May 2023 20:00 , Andrea Blanco
Aurea Monet lived in a studio in the six-storey apartment building for around seven months, moving out just eight weeks before the block partially collapsed on Sunday.
In a series of TikTok videos, she says that she broke the lease on the rental unit and moved out after noticing huge cracks on both the inside and outside walls of her apartment.
The cracks started to develop after construction work began on the property, she says.
In the video, Ms Monet says “they started construction a while back and during that time I noticed a crack above my outlet”.
She says it was “much smaller at first” but then the crack “progressed over my time being there”.
@itzz.ariii333 Replying to @Aurea <3 #greenscreen here yall go ill make a pt.2 #buildingcollapse #foryou #fyp #apartment #movingout
♬ original sound - Aurea <3
Cats, snakes and lizard rescued from the wreckage overnight
Wednesday 31 May 2023 19:55 , Andrea Blanco
The Humane Society of Scott County announced that several animals were rescued and reunited with their humans.
“We recovered 6 cats, 2 snakes, and 1 lizard, which were all the pets reported on our form that weren’t in one of the apartments where the building collapsed,” the non-profit announced on Tuesday night. “We’ve already reunited 4 cats, the 2 snakes, and the lizard with their owners, and the other two will be reunited shortly!”
Five tenants are still unaccounted for, at least two of them are believed to be trapped in the wreckage.
Iowa officials finally admit that up to five residents are still missing
Wednesday 31 May 2023 19:30 , 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.
Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said at a press conference on Tuesday that five people are still unaccounted for, including two who are believed to still be in the partially collapsed building.
“The Davenport Police Department has been working diligently to account for the [residents] of the building,” he said.
“Five individuals are still unaccounted for, two of those we believe to possibly be still in the building.”
The identities of the missing have not been released but the revelation comes after desperate neighbours, locals and loved ones have been trying to raise the alarm about two men thought to be in the building at the time of the collapse.
Building owner named as defendant in civil enforcement action
Wednesday 31 May 2023 19:00 , Andrea Blanco
The city has been in contact with the building owner Andrew Wold, Mr Morris said on Tuesday.
State agencies are coordinating what agency will take the lead in the investigation but no criminal charges have been filed yet.
Iowa court records reviewed by The Independent on Wednesday show that Mr Wold and Davenport Hotel LLC are listed as defendants in a civil enforcement action brought by the City of Davenport on 30 May.
Mr Wold was given a $300 fine for failing to keep the building “safe, sanitary and structurally sound condition,” WQAD reports.
Building collapse survivor had leg amputated
Wednesday 31 May 2023 18:28 , Andrea Blanco
Lexus Berry and her wife Quanishia tried to escape the collapse on Sunday, grabbing their cats and rushing to make it downstairs. But while Lexus was able to make it to safety, Quanishia became trapped in the rubble.
“There was a lot of debris and things surrounding her and her legs were pinned down,” Lexus told The Quad-City Times. “They were able to get one leg out, but the other leg in order to get her out, they had to amputate it.”
“It was a scene that I’ll never forget. I’ll never forget that image of the way she was trapped.”
Shocking photos reveal cracks inside Iowa apartment building before horror collapse
Wednesday 31 May 2023 18:05 , 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:
Building owner fined after collapse
Wednesday 31 May 2023 17:38 , Andrea Blanco
Andrew Wold was given a $300 fine for failing to keep the building “safe, sanitary and structurally sound condition,” WQAD reports.
WATCH: Five people still unaccounted for 36 hours after Iowa building collapse
Wednesday 31 May 2023 17:14 , Andrea Blanco
How a family’s desperate screams saved woman passed out at site of building collapse
Wednesday 31 May 2023 16:23 , Andrea Blanco
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.
Pets rescued from rubble – but ‘no human activity’
Wednesday 31 May 2023 15:46 , Andrea Blanco
Several animals were rescued from the rubble of the apartment building on Tuesday – but a search found no “human activity” in the wreckage.
Up to five people remain missing following the collapse on Sunday, two of which are believed to possibly still be in the building.
In an update on Tuesday afternooon, the city of Davenport said that the Davenport Fire Department in partnership with MABAS 43 Technical Rescue Team conducted an additional operation within portions of building deemed safe enough. “During this operation, several animals were rescued and delivered to the Scott County Humane Society. Crews continued to search for human activity and none was detected,” the city said. “The stability of the building continues to degrade. The recovery of any unaccounted for individuals remains the priority of the City as operational planning progresses.”
WATCH: Video shows dramatic aftermath of building collapse in Iowa
Wednesday 31 May 2023 15:10 , Andrea Blanco
How to help the victims?
Wednesday 31 May 2023 14:40 , Andrea Blanco
In the wake of the tragic collapse on Sunday, community members have set up fundraisers to help survivors cover some of their financial losses.
Here are a few you can donate to:
Five tenants remain unaccounted for, with at least two of them believed to be under the rubble.
Fire Marshall breaks down as he tries to explain demolition plans with five people still unaccounted for
Wednesday 31 May 2023 14:00 , 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.”
Iowa officials finally admit that up to five residents are still missing following building collapse
Wednesday 31 May 2023 13:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
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.
Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said at a press conference on Tuesday that five people are still unaccounted for, including two who are believed to still be in the partially collapsed building.
“The Davenport Police Department has been working diligently to account for the [residents] of the building,” he said.
“Five individuals are still unaccounted for, two of those we believe to possibly be still in the building.”
The identities of the missing have not been released but the revelation comes after desperate neighbours, locals and loved ones have been trying to raise the alarm about two men thought to be in the building at the time of the collapse.
Iowa officials admit up to five residents are still missing after building collapse
Family recounts woman’s dramatic rescue
Wednesday 31 May 2023 13:01 , 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.
Everything we know about the ‘horrible’ Iowa building collapse as rescue efforts continue
Wednesday 31 May 2023 12:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Rescue efforts have been called off a day after a residential building collapsed in Davenport, Iowa.
A rear section of the six-storey apartment complex on 324 Main Street collapsed at around 5pm on Sunday.
Eight people have been rescued from the wreckage and no deaths have been reported, according to Davenport Fire Chief Michael Carlsten.
However, Pauletta Joeanna told The Independent on Monday evening that her great-grandmother Lisa Brooks is still missing after she became trapped in the wreckage while she tried to escape the collapse. Ms Brooks, who lived in apartment 403, was on the phone with another relative when she suddenly hung up.
The search will now transition into its recovery stage, as demolition is planned for Tuesday morning, according to city leaders.
Officials planned to demolish a collapsed Iowa building. Are survivors still trapped?
Structure of collapsed building becomes more brittle as time passes, experts say
Wednesday 31 May 2023 12:00 , 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.
Family of woman rescued from Iowa building collapse reveal how screams saved her from demolition
Wednesday 31 May 2023 11:30 , 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
Shocking photos reveal cracks inside Iowa apartment building before horror collapse
Wednesday 31 May 2023 11:00 , 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
Several animals rescued from rubble – but ‘no human activity'
Wednesday 31 May 2023 10:46 , Rachel Sharp
Several animals were rescued from the rubble of the apartment building on Tuesday – but a search found no “human activity” in the wreckage.
Up to five people remain missing following the collapse on Sunday, two of which are believed to possibly still be in the building.
In an update on Tuesday afternooon, the city of Davenport said that the Davenport Fire Department in partnership with MABAS 43 Technical Rescue Team conducted an additional operation within portions of building deemed safe enough. “During this operation, several animals were rescued and delivered to the Scott County Humane Society. Crews continued to search for human activity and none was detected,” the city said. “The stability of the building continues to degrade. The recovery of any unaccounted for individuals remains the priority of the City as operational planning progresses.”
Watch: Ninth person rescued from wreckage of Iowa building collapse
Wednesday 31 May 2023 10:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Demolition plans laid out as two tenants feared trapped under wreckage
Wednesday 31 May 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco
Fire Marshall J Morris said on Tuesday that authorities faced a challenging decision, as experts recommend a demolition as soon as permitting is obtained, while family members fear that their loved ones are still alive under the rubble.
Johnnie Woods told The Des Moines Register that her nephew Branden Colvin, who lived in a fifth-floor apartment in the building, did not show up for a family gathering on Sunday night. The family’s attempts to locate him since have been unsuccessful.
Ms Woods said a neighbour of Mr Colvin’s told her he’d seen him moments before the collapse. Mr Colvin’s vehicle was also in the building’s parking lot and had to be towed after the tragedy.
“My other nephews and other people have been trying to call his phone, and he’s not answering his phone,” Ms Woods told the Register. “So we’re assuming something, that he can’t talk, his phone is dead, or something. Really, we don’t know anything.”
Ms Woods said she learned Ryan Hitchcock was also unaccounted for during a meeting with police on Monday. A woman who police said is related to Mr Hitchcock noted during the press conference on Tuesday that she agreed with demolition plans.
“I was completely mortified about the protests. These people raising a voice, and they don’t know Ryan,” Amy Henderson said. “The city does have a plan and pushing for any delays ... it’s one more day that he’s under there. Ryan wouldn’t want anyone else to put their lives at risk unfortunately for someone who probably has not survived.”
Experts have 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 steel structure, officials said there were likely no void spaces where trapped victims could have taken shelter.
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,” Mr 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.”
Mayor Matson also 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.”
Davenport residents demand rescue teams keep searching collapsed building for survivors
Wednesday 31 May 2023 09:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Davenport residents have demanded rescue teams keep searching collapsed building for survivors as the threat of demolition looms.
More than 36 hours after the rear section of a six-storey apartment complex on 324 Main Street in Iowa collapsed, Davenport mayor Mike Matson revealed that local police have been unable to locate five residents.
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 steel structure.
Davenport residents demand rescue teams keep searching building for survivors
WATCH: Ninth person rescued from wreckage of Iowa building collapse
Wednesday 31 May 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco
Everything we know about the ‘horrible’ Iowa building collapse as rescue efforts continue
Wednesday 31 May 2023 08:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Rescue efforts have been called off a day after a residential building collapsed in Davenport, Iowa.
A rear section of the six-storey apartment complex on 324 Main Street collapsed at around 5pm on Sunday.
Eight people have been rescued from the wreckage and no deaths have been reported, according to Davenport Fire Chief Michael Carlsten.
However, Pauletta Joeanna told The Independent on Monday evening that her great-grandmother Lisa Brooks is still missing after she became trapped in the wreckage while she tried to escape the collapse. Ms Brooks, who lived in apartment 403, was on the phone with another relative when she suddenly hung up.
The search will now transition into its recovery stage, as demolition is planned for Tuesday morning, according to city leaders.
Officials planned to demolish a collapsed Iowa building. Are survivors still trapped?
Assistance for the victims
Wednesday 31 May 2023 08:00 , Andrea Blanco
Several law enforcement agencies responded to the scene. An air ambulance landed at the site of the emergency on Sunday night to transport victims of the collapse, while K-9 units and search crews combed through the wreckage.
First responders from the Iowa and Illinois Quad-Cities region wrapped rescue operations on Monday afternoon.
A school bus drives past the wreckage after the building collapse on Sunday
Mayor Mike Matson said at the earlier press conference that he had spoken to state governor Kim Reynolds, who offered her assistance in the response to the disaster. Gov Reynolds said the Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security and emergency management officials are also assisting in the response.
“This is an active scene,” the mayor said. “We will continue to work, continue to evaluate, with the whole purpose of trying to find people and trying to get them out.”
The Center for Active Seniors (CASI) is serving as a shelter for those impacted. Residents in need of accommodation are asked to call the American Red Cross at 1-800-Red-Cross for details.
Iowa officials finally admit that up to five residents are still missing following building collapse
Wednesday 31 May 2023 07:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
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.
Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said at a press conference on Tuesday that five people are still unaccounted for, including two who are believed to still be in the partially collapsed building.
“The Davenport Police Department has been working diligently to account for the [residents] of the building,” he said.
“Five individuals are still unaccounted for, two of those we believe to possibly be still in the building.”
The identities of the missing have not been released but the revelation comes after desperate neighbours, locals and loved ones have been trying to raise the alarm about two men thought to be in the building at the time of the collapse.
Iowa officials admit up to five residents are still missing after building collapse
Building collapse survivor was rescued after family members yelled her name
Wednesday 31 May 2023 07:00 , 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.
