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Chelsea Townhomes At Risk Of Collapsing

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Jun 22, 2009 9:12 pm US/Eastern

Chelsea Townhomes At Risk Of Collapsing

Orange Street Homes Evacuated, Residents Later Allowed To Return Home

CHELSEA (WBZ) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: Chelsea firefighters evacuated a dozen residents after discovering the back of the building was bowing and was in danger of collapse.
WBZ

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A dozen residents in a Chelsea building were evacuated Monday morning when it was discovered that the back wall of the structure was bowing.

Officials say they ordered evacuations of three apartments in the building because it was at risk of collapsing.

"There are two walls that are compromised and are in imminent danger of collapsing," said Deputy Fire Chief Robert Zalews.

In all, a dozen people were evacuated from apartments at 36, 38 and 40 Orange Street just before 10 a.m.

"I was watching TV this morning, and the next thing I know there was pounding at the door," said resident Jose Arroyo. "They evacuated the building immediately because it was about to collapse. We just came out in our shorts and whatever we had in our hands."

Officials allowed the residents back in their homes in the early evening.. A structural engineer needed to inspect the building before the residents were allowed back in.