Hawthorne, NJ – A partial collapse at the Hawthorne Garden Apartments Sunday morning resulted in a major evacuation and disrupted utilities, following heavy rains that have saturated the area.
Residents described a terrifying experience as sections of the building began to give way.
Around 9 a.m., residents reported hearing a loud bang and a subsequent cracking noises. This was the moment when the basement of the building partially collapsed, dragging the first floor down with it. Authorities attribute the collapse to the heavy rainfall, comparing the ground’s saturation to that of a sponge. They anticipate further collapse, potentially impacting more of the building, including the section under Donna’s apartment.
The collapse has affected not just the structural integrity of the building but also essential utilities. Nine boilers located in the basement, now damaged, serviced several apartments in the complex. As a result, three additional buildings are now without heat or gas.
Emergency orders have been issued for Building E, home to nine adults, three dogs, and three cats.
Residents were given a brief window to retrieve essential belongings as they grapple with the sudden displacement and loss of home utilities. The situation remains precarious, with authorities closely monitoring the building for further developments. This incident underscores the impact of extreme weather conditions on infrastructure and the importance of timely maintenance and safety measures in residential complexes.