On Monday, at approximately 8:45 AM, the Wilmington Fire Department responded to the 400 block of South Heald Street in the Southbridge section of Wilmington for a reported building collapse. Upon arrival, fire personnel found the front walls of a corner property had collapsed into the street. Immediate searches of the building determined it was unoccupied, and firefighters evacuated two adjoining residential properties due to concerns about further collapse.
As a precaution, power, gas, and water services to the affected structures were disconnected to mitigate any potential hazards. Officials said there were no injuries to report.
The Wilmington Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) was called to the scene and, after an initial assessment, declared the structure an imminent hazard. A structural engineer was requested to conduct a more thorough evaluation.
Earlier this morning, at around 12:30 AM, a vehicle collided with the front of the building, resulting in minor injuries to the vehicle’s occupants. It remains unclear if the collision contributed to the collapse. L&I had already condemned the building after the collision, removing all occupants, and planned to return this morning to further assess the building’s stability.
Currently, South Heald Street, between Lobdell Street and B Street, and A Street, between New Castle Avenue and Townsend Street, are closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. These closures will remain in effect for the duration of the investigation and stability assessment. DART bus routes passing through the area have been detoured.
Approximately 25 fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene, with units including Engine 1, Squad 4, Ladder 2, Ladder 1, Battalion Chiefs 1, 2, 3, and 4, Deputy 2, St. Francis EMS, and New Castle County EMS. Further updates regarding this incident will be provided by the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
Images: DelDOT, WFD