Update: April 17 at 11 p.m.
18 people across 12 units are displaced after a partial collapse at the Casa Mia Apartments in Lexington.
Authorities say a third-floor concrete patio fell onto the second floor. Code enforcement has condemned the building.
The Lexington Fire Department reported no injuries. Firefighters rescued five people using a ladder to get through the back of an apartment. Battalion Chief Derek Roberts praised the response.
"They're trained to act quickly and decisively, and that's what they did," Roberts said.
Yellow tape surrounds the home of Beverly Dussett, who lives on the third floor.
"I heard a like 'boom' like something really heavy coming down," Beverly Dussett said.
"I said ain't never been in an earthquake but you could feel the oomph, felt the oomph going down," Dussett said. "I was trapped, yeah a little alone, a little scared, still scared."
The city's Emergency Management Department and the Red Cross are assisting the victims. The Director of Emergency Management, Rob Larkin, is helping coordinate the response.
"We're hoping to do is provide these individuals that have been displaced as a result of this partial collapse, trying to find them some lodging for the weekend," Rob Larkin said.
Tina Bryson worked with victims through the Christian Appalachian Project. But she's here on her own accord; she's is running for city council and looking for ways to help her neighbors.
"No person who lives in the community should have to deal with a situation like this when you're paying rent, you're working hard," Tina Bryson said.
"You recognize that this is going to be a difficult situation for these families and that they're going to need the resources of the city to come alongside and help them," Bryson added.
The immediate future for these displaced individuals remains unclear.
"How am I gonna get my stuff to go to work tomorrow? That's what's going through my mind," another victim said.
Original Story:
Lexington fire crews responded to a scene at an apartment building in the 1800 block of Augusta Drive on Friday. LEX 18 captured a photo of what appears to be the side of the building collapsed.
LFD reported that crews were called to the scene on a report of a collapse and rescue operation at around 11 a.m. Upon arrival, crews saw that a third floor concrete patio had fallen onto the second floor.
Units quickly rescued five occupants, using ladders to enter through the back of the apartments. Crews, along with Lexington Animal Control removed three dogs and two cats from the apartment.
Lexington fire confirmed to LEX 18 on scene that 18 people have been displaced across 12 units. No injuries were reported.
Officials continue to assess the situation as part of an active response.
This is a developing story and LEX 18 will have additional information as it becomes available.
