French Quarter building collapses; crowds scurry
NEW ORLEANS — A 203-year-old building in the French Quarter that suffered a partial collapse on Tuesday gave way entirely Wednesday.
No one was injured, but the falling debris and dust sent people scurrying for cover.
On Tuesday, Royal Street from St. Ann to Dumaine was closed after the initial collapse of part of the historic three-story structure.
Bricks and debris filled the 800 block of Royal Street on Tuesday afternoon. So did New Orleans firefighters, emergency responders and Entergy utility workers keeping a watchful eye on the structure.
Even after sunset, the fire department continued to work to stabilize the building, and Entergy workers shut off utilities to prevent an explosion after a small gas leak.
Wednesday afternoon, the whole structure collapsed. Investigators are trying to determine the cause.
"We know it's the French Quarter. Everything here is old for the most part. But as far as the reason why the collapse happened, we don't have an answer for that right now," said New Orleans Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Edwin Holmes.
The building's owner had been cited in 2011 for its dilapidated condition by the Vieux Carre Commission, which protects, preserves and maintains the distinct architectural, historic character and zoning integrity of the French Quarter.
Nearby business owners and patrons said they worry about being allowed to return after all the debris is cleaned up.
"I still can't imagine what it must look like in there. And they're all worried because they might not have a job for a while now," said Andy Lansing. His partner managers a store next to the building.
"My mother was actually preparing a meal, and she heard a really loud noise and she thought a car ran into the building," said New Orleans resident Benny Naghi.
Neighbors like the Naghi family, who are visiting their son from Jerusalem, waited patiently to get back inside their home and to the dinner table.
City officials said Royal Street from Dumaine to Saint Ann will stay closed to car and pedestrian traffic until further notice.