STAMFORD, Conn. — Seven residents were rescued from upper-floor apartments after a stair and deck collapse at a Greenwich Avenue building left them trapped and led officials to condemn eight units, according to the Stamford Fire Department.
Fire crews responded around 6:45 p.m. April 17 to 37 Greenwich Avenue, where a collapsed deck and stairway had pulled away from the structure, cutting off safe access to multiple occupied apartments, officials said.
Ladder Rescue Frees Trapped Residents
Arriving firefighters found that three of the four units served by the damaged stairs were occupied, requiring a technical rescue to reach those inside.
Crews first used ground ladders to access a second-floor landing and make contact with residents. A tower ladder was then positioned to remove people from second- and third-floor apartments, bringing them down two at a time.
In total, seven residents were safely rescued during the operation. Stamford EMS units were on standby, but no injuries were reported among residents or firefighters.
“This incident demonstrates the high level of training, coordination, and professionalism of our firefighters and partner agencies,” said Deputy Fire Chief John Pritchard, the incident commander. “Technical rescues require precision and teamwork, and today’s outcome reflects the dedication of everyone involved.”
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Key Points
• Stair and deck collapse at Stamford apartment building traps residents on upper floors
• Firefighters use ladders to rescue 7 people; no injuries reported
• City officials condemn 8 apartments, displacing multiple families
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Structural Hazards Force Evacuations
The collapse raised immediate concerns about the building’s structural safety. In addition to the damaged stairway, officials flagged hazards affecting an adjacent stairwell.
As a result, the Stamford Building Department, Fire Marshal’s Office, and Health Department responded to assess the property. Following their evaluation, eight apartments were condemned due to safety risks.
The displaced residents are being provided temporary housing by the building’s management company, according to officials.
Multi-Agency Response Stabilizes Scene
Firefighters from multiple units—including Rescue, Engine, and Ladder companies—worked together to stabilize the scene and carry out the rescue within about an hour.
The Stamford Police Department assisted with traffic control and scene management during the response.
Officials have not yet released information on what caused the collapse, and further inspections are expected to determine the underlying factors.
What Comes Next
City officials will continue evaluating the building’s condition while displaced residents remain in temporary housing, and no timeline has been announced for when the condemned units might be deemed safe again.
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation as authorities work to determine next steps for the property and affected tenants.