Cause of Worcester apartment building collapse being investigated by insurance companies, engineers

MassLive.com

Fourteen days after the roof of 267 Mill St. collapsed into the second and third floors of the 32-unit apartment building, the cause of the collapse is still being investigated, according to a press release from the city of Worcester.

Initial reports about the collapse suggested the cause was the weight of building materials — stone and foam insulation, on the roof, but an official determination was not announced.

The city, which does not employ a structural engineer, cannot determine the cause, according to the release, leaving insurance companies and experts in engineering to investigate the collapse.

On Monday, city officials, including Senior Building Inspector David Carl, Deputy Building Commissioner David Horne and Commissioner of Inspectional Services Chris Spencer, toured and inspected the building with a structural engineer.

After the tour and reviewing a report the officials agreed that the structural issues were isolated to the five apartments that were directly impacted by the collapse and other residents could be allowed to retrieve and examine their belongings.

Horne said as much in court Wednesday. The property management company brought the tenants of the building, who were evacuated after the collapse, to court in order to access their apartments and take out their belongings.

City inspectors had initially condemned the building, which meant the property manager and residents were not supposed to be allowed inside.

The tenants have expressed their frustration with the process since they have said the property management company already had movers going into the building without their consent and moving their possessions. Walter Jacobs, 267 Mill Street LLC’s lawyer, denied the allegations.

The tenants will have to go to court for a third time on Aug. 4 to work with the property management company and mediators to determine when and how movers will get tenants’ belonging out of the building and where it will be stored.

Currently, the five units that were directly impacted cannot be accessed, according to the city’s press release. Barriers were installed as a safety measure.

The city may require additional safety measures or monitoring when the tenants are moving out because the building’s monitoring systems are inoperable.

Once the tenant’s personal property has been removed from the building, it will be gutted to allow for further assessments and inspections.

Building inspectors from the city and Worcester Fire Department will review all permit applications and plans for reconstruction of the building before they are issued, according to the city.

The city’s administration and Office of Emergency Management partnered with local community organizations, including the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance and United Way of Central Massachusetts, to provide resources and support to the displaced residents.

“Nothing can prepare one for the unexpected and immeasurable loss of being left unhoused and without their personal and important belongings,” Eric D. Batista, acting city manager, said.

He offered the city’s support, care and concern to all the residents and said he’s “incredibly grateful for the collaboration with and assistance from our partner agencies who were on the ground with us on day one and continue to offer compassionate care and resources for these residents.”