A walkway collapse at an apartment complex in the Medical District caused a stir in the local community. Last night, residents at 1016 Peabody Avenue were evacuated after the second-story pathway failed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The Memphis Fire Department responded, safely removing 10 residents, as confirmed by Action News 5.
The American Red Cross was on site to assist those affected. Code enforcement inspectors arrived around 7:15 p.m. to assess the building's safety, according to Local Memphis. The displaced residents will remain relocated until the building is cleared for reentry by authorities.
Kenitha Smith, a resident and mother, spoke to FOX13 Memphis about the collapse. "We ain't got nowhere to go," she said. "We have no clothes. My door is wide open, the window is broke." Smith's children were in the apartment during the collapse, and she expressed concern about her family's future, including their schooling and her employment. Her new employer has been understanding during the crisis.
While residents deal with the aftermath, questions about the cause of the collapse remain. Smith had noticed the walkway's deteriorating condition weeks earlier and had informed property management. Action News 5 reported that the Mayor's office confirmed code enforcement would investigate the incident further.
