Crews To Repair Weather-Related Ceiling Collapse In OC Apartment Complex
HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Crews are expected to make repairs at a Huntington Beach apartment complex Monday after several ceilings collapsed over the weekend.
Around 8 a.m. on Sunday, firefighters were sent to an apartment complex located in the 21600 block of Brookhurst Street for report of a weather-related building collapse.
Upon their arrival, crews evacuated dozens of residents from the Casa Del Sol Apartments. In total, 32 units were evacuated.
Residents were able to gather their belongings and documents before leaving their homes.
The city's building department tagged one building and part of the second uninhabitable.
A preliminary investigation revealed the drywall of two buildings collapsed within the apartment complex.
Officials said the buildings were undergoing roof replacements since February. Crews had installed solar panels as the roofs were being replaced.
Due to expected weather, workers covered the roofs with tarps to guard against rain. However, rain seeped through and compromised the drywall inside the affected units.
Southern California Edison crews made sure power could not be turned on in affected units until it is deemed safe to do so.
Officials said the building's property management has authorized reimbursements of $150 per night for residents to stay in a hotel while repairs are made.
However, it appears it will take several weeks to return the apartments to liveable conditions.
No injuries were reported.