Wis. condo building evacuated in danger of collapse

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 1:23 PM PT – Friday, December 3, 2021

A condo building in Waukesha, Wisconsin is now secure after being evacuated due to the threat of a structural collapse.

On Friday morning, the city announced 65 residents had been successfully evacuated from the building and that officials reviewed a plan to stabilize the structure in order to mitigate any imminent collapse. Waukesha Fire Chief Steve Howard and city leaders announced the evacuations after an independent inspection flagged the building for deteriorating structural conditions Thursday night.

The city said it received a complaint about the conditions of the condo’s balconies. Upon their removal, it was revealed there were deficiencies of the structural frame.

“Right now, it’s a lot of shock. Like what the hell, we just paid $12,000 to have the balcony repaired, and now they’re saying that’s probably what’s making it uninhabitable,” said Raschel Biagioli, an evacuee.

The street was just reopened outside 315 N. West Ave in Waukesha. There is now a sign on the door that reads, “DANGEROUS CONDITION.”

All families were evacuated from the 48-unit condo building last night. Most were given just minutes to gather everything they could and get out. pic.twitter.com/Ka5igWE8f5

— Rose Schmidt (@RoseSchmidtTV) December 3, 2021

As of Friday afternoon, officials said contractors had installed structural shoring onto the building to provide some immediate structural integrity.

“We’re trying to avoid a ‘Florida,’” said Lt. Kevin Rice, referring to the Surfside condo collapse that happened earlier in the year.

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