A structural collapse in downtown Wilmington on Monday morning led to significant damage to multiple buildings, emergency road closures, and utility shutoffs as authorities worked to assess the situation.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., Wilmington Fire Department’s A Platoon responded to reports of a partial structural collapse in the 900 block of North Orange Street. Firefighters arrived to find that a masonry wall from a parking garage had fallen onto multiple adjacent buildings in the 100 block of West 9th Street, causing heavy structural damage to at least four buildings.
Fire crews, led by Acting Battalion Chief Griffith Jordan, immediately began searching the affected buildings, assisted by the New Castle County Collapse Rescue Team. Fortunately, all structures were found to be unoccupied. However, collapse specialists determined there was an imminent risk of further structural failure.
As a result, the Wilmington Department of Licenses and Inspections deemed several buildings condemned due to immediate hazards. Delmarva Power disconnected gas and electricity to the impacted properties, while the Wilmington Water Department shut off water services as a precaution. A gas leak on the roof of one building ignited a small fire, but firefighters were able to quickly extinguish it.
Authorities have since closed sections of West 9th Street between Orange and Shipley Streets, as well as Orange Street and Shipley Street between 9th and 10th Streets, until further notice. The closures will remain in effect while structural assessments are completed.
Approximately 40 fire and emergency medical personnel responded to the incident, including units from Wilmington Fire Department, New Castle County Collapse Team, Claymont Fire Company USAR 13, Cranston Heights Fire Company Rescue 14, St. Francis EMS, and New Castle County Medics. The Wilmington Department of Licenses and Inspections and Delmarva Power are also involved in the response efforts.
Officials are working to determine the final disposition of the affected buildings. Residents and commuters are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes until further updates are provided.