PHOTOS: Vacant building collapses in Petersburg, public urged to avoid area
VENN
PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- A vacant building collapsed in Petersburg on Friday, with authorities urging residents to avoid the area.
At 7:23 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, units with Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services responded to a reported building collapse in the 30 block of North Crater Road.
Vacant building collapses on North Crater Road in Petersburg on Sept. 26. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)
Vacant building collapses on North Crater Road in Petersburg on Sept. 26. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)
Vacant building collapses on North Crater Road in Petersburg on Sept. 26. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)
Vacant building collapses on North Crater Road in Petersburg on Sept. 26. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)
Vacant building collapses on North Crater Road in Petersburg on Sept. 26. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)
Vacant building collapses on North Crater Road in Petersburg on Sept. 26. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)
Vacant building collapses on North Crater Road in Petersburg on Sept. 26. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)
Vacant building collapses on North Crater Road in Petersburg on Sept. 26. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)
Vacant building collapses on North Crater Road in Petersburg on Sept. 26. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)
Petersburg Bureau of Police were already at the scene and had secured the area as fire units began their investigation, according to officials.
Fire officials responded with an "abundance of caution," acting as if "an occupant could be trapped until it was confirmed otherwise," they said.
Officials later confirmed the structure was unoccupied and under renovation after a thorough investigation.
No injuries were reported in connection with this incident.
Petersburg Fire also urged the public to avoid North Crater Road between Taylor’s Street and East Washington Street during ongoing safety operations.
