Partial building collapse of abandoned building in Reading

Posted on August 23, 2024
Firefighters in Reading responded to reports of a partial building collapse of an abandoned building Thursday night in the 500 block of North 3rd Street. Initially reported to be several kids trapped inside, later reported nothing found.

We spoke to the Reading Fire Marshal roughly an hour into the incident who said kids were initially seen by neighbors inside the building before the collapse, but at this time it appears everyone was able to get out safely.

Firefighters used a drone with thermal imaging to search the abandoned building. After several sweeps nothing was found.

Rail traffic has been shutdown indefinitely due to the potential for the remaining side wall of the building to collapse onto the tracks.

The Fire Marshal says a portion, if not all of the building will be demolished, which is expected to take place in the next few days.