The City of Reading is moving forward with demolition efforts at 501 N. 8th Street following Saturday’s partial building collapse that displaced 10 residents and prompted a multi-agency emergency response.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, when the south-facing bearing wall of 501 N. 8th Street collapsed into the street. Fire and police were first on scene, followed shortly by the City’s Building and Trades Department.
According to a press release issued by the City Monday evening, two buildings were impacted by the collapse—501 and 503 N. 8th Street. Two apartments in the rear of 501 were occupied at the time. The tenants have been provided housing through arrangements made by the building’s owner and insurance company. Residents of neighboring 503 N. 8th Street were evacuated as a precaution and are currently staying with friends.
Fire Marshal Jeremy Searfoss previously stated that utility crews worked carefully around the unstable structure over the weekend to secure the area. The building remained under close observation for movement, with gas and electric service shut off before demolition could proceed.
As of Monday afternoon, a demolition crew from Empire Services is on site and has begun tearing down the damaged structure. The City noted that evaluations will continue throughout the demolition process. There is currently no investigation or known cause for the collapse, and officials said no additional details about the cause are being released at this time.
In a statement Monday, Mayor Eddie Moran said, “Our priority is the safety of our residents and making sure those displaced have the support they need. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep the community informed as we move forward.”
The City continues to urge residents to avoid the area and follow all posted safety instructions. North 8th Street remains closed to through traffic in the affected block as work continues. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
