Violent thunderstorm may have been the culprit for a partial collapse of this old building on
Academy Street
(Photo: Jason Brodbeck)
POUGHKEEPSIE – A woman trapped in the rubble of a partially collapsed building at 15 Academy Street in the City of Poughkeepsie was rescued and taken to a local hospital several hours after a seven-story shell of a building toppled over onto the smaller structure.
Two people were trapped. A man was rescued almost immediately but it
took several hours to extricate the other victim. A mobile surgical unit
was called in to assist in removing the woman from the building before
she was taken to the hospital.
Mayor Robert Rolison said they suspect what caused the collapse. A violent thunderstorm hit Poughkeepsie on Monday afternoon and may have contributed to a building collapse on Academy Street, trapping the victims.
During a very abbreviated Common Council meeting Monday night, City Administrator Marc Nelson said all resources were fully mobilized.
“Obviously a very serious situation, weather related, in the city,” Nelson reported. “Emergency services are on scene and as they always do, a fantastic job.”
Firefighters from both the Poughkeepsie and Arlington Fire Departments are operating at the scene and are being assisted by Mobile Life Support Services, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, and other agencies including an Urban Search and Rescue Team.
An airconditioned bus was brought to the scene to allow the first responders to take a break the oppressive 90-degree heat and humidity.
Three Poughkeepsie firefighters were sent to Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Two were released, one was admitted.
FDNY Rescue Task Force from Battalion 2 arrived on the scene late at night to assist with structure stability.
