A Queens building's facade partially collapsed yesterday, leaving three people, including two children, with injuries. As reported by Gothamist, the incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. near 245-13 Jericho Turnpike in Bellerose. An approximately 175-feet section of parapet wall fell onto the sidewalk and street, striking a 25-year-old man in the back, and hitting a Jeep where an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old were sitting.
Authorities told the Gothamist that the victims were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, though their precise conditions were not disclosed. Meanwhile, CBS New York reported that the facade collapse happened around 4:30 p.m. at Plaza Furniture between 245th and 246th streets. A section of about 60 feet of the facade tumbled down, affecting at least two parked cars and leading to the injure of the three victims.
Following the collapse, witnesses and bystanders quickly came to the aid of those affected. "I stopped at the light down there, and I heard a loud boom. So I looked behind me, and all I saw was smoke in the air and people running toward the building," Victoria Craig told CBS New York. Billy Rashid, the owner of Plaza Furniture, was among several individuals who actively participated in moving debris to rescue the injured. "Me and a couple of people, we moved the stuff around and we took the person out," he recounted.
Both outlets reported the closure of the westbound traffic on Jericho Turnpike as a Department of Buildings spokesperson stated that the building's representative was coordinating with contractors to assess further damage and clean up the site. CBS New York further highlighted a complaint made in June about the store's safety, citing holes in floors and ceilings. A city Department of Buildings spokesperson mentioned that five businesses located in the same building have been subsequently issued vacate orders as investigation into the incident continues.
