MIAMI – Three people were displaced after a home next to them collapsed overnight in Miami, sending debris flying through the roof of their home.
The incident occurred in the area of Northwest 18th Avenue and Third Street.
“It sounded a bit like the sound of a big bomb,” said one resident.
The collapse also displaced some animals, according to Miami Fire Rescue officials.
First responders said the collapsed home was abandoned.
“The roof was originally removed, which obviously made it very vulnerable to the weather conditions we experienced last night,” said MDFR Capt. Ignatius Carroll.
Crews worked into the morning, clearing debris and removing a propane tank.
At the time of the collapse, there was immediate concern about a possible person in the home. According to MDFR, it is believed that a homeless person was often left in the abandoned house.
“We see a shopping cart containing items as well as a bicycle that we know is likely being used by this person. So those are signs of concern,” Carroll said.
K9s were spotted searching the area on Thursday morning, but fortunately no injuries were reported.
A family staying in the home directly behind the collapsed property was evacuated after part of the structure collapsed onto their home.
“I was sleeping and then the loud noise and when they opened the back room, one of the bedrooms, the ceiling collapsed and my little brother was in there, so my dad took him out,” a resident told Local 10 News.
Luckily, everyone got out safely.
A semi-detached house directly next to the property was also evacuated as a precaution. With part of the unstable structure still standing, crews ultimately decided to demolish it to avoid further risk.
(Videos below courtesy of Miami Fire Rescue)
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