Section of Hallandale Beach building involving a pedestrian walkway partially collapses, officials say

Emergency crews responded to reports of a partial structure collapse involving a pedestrian walkway in Hallandale Beach on Thursday morning, according to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue (BSFR).

BSFR officials said that crews responded to reports of a structural collapse at 1250 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard in Hallandale Beach just before 11 a.m.

When crews arrived at the scene, they said they found a section of the building partially collapsed, and two vehicles were trapped under the debris.

Hallendale Beach police say the collapse involved the walkway located between the building and the parking garage next door. 

BSFR officials said that, fortunately, the vehicles were unoccupied at the time.

Ashley Tapplee, a sales director for a pharmaceutical company located on the third floor, said she heard a loud noise just before 11 a.m.

"It's definitely old. This was bound to happen at some point, but you don't expect it to," Tapplee said. "When you come to work, you expect to be safe… it was very scary."

"I was near the edge of the building and I saw it fall down," she said. She added that ongoing maintenance issues — including elevators frequently breaking down — had raised concerns about the building's condition.

Kevin Uribe, another employee, said the sound of the collapse initially startled him.

"It was a boom — I thought it was lightning," he said.

Employees described the structure as aging and plagued with problems. According to real estate records, the building was constructed in 1972 and was purchased about five years ago by a Canadian investment firm, Soliman Corporation, which had plans to upgrade the property.

CBS News Miami reached out to the company for comment regarding the incident and concerns raised by tenants but has not received a response.

Hallandale Beach Police Department said in a statement that fire rescue crews conducted a partial evacuation "out of an abundance of caution" while assessing the structural integrity of the building.

"The walkway has collapsed. At this time, there are no reported injuries," police said.

Authorities also warned drivers to expect traffic delays in the surrounding area due to the ongoing emergency response.

The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.

BSFR said that a representitive from the building's management team, as well as a structural engineer from the City of Hallandale Beach was at the scene for an assessment to determine the extent of the dame, and to decide when, or if, residents will be allowed to safely reenter the building.

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident, BSFR said.

No other information was released.