Building evacuated after wall collapse

(New York - WABC, July 25, 2007) (WABC) -- Hundreds of residents were forced out of their apartments on the Upper West Side Wednesday night after a retaining wall gave way.

The wall, located at a construction site, collapsed and residents of 784 Columbus Avenue were evacuated. No injuries were reported.

The wooden wall was holding back earth next to a corner of the apartment building. According to an eyewitness, it fell shortly after 7 p.m.

Heavy construction equipment was then being used to dig up earth and put it at the bottom of the wall.

"This project must stop. Until we have a full investigation and ensure every one of these tenants that they are treated with respect and dignity, more importantly, safety," Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer said.

The construction site runs along Columbus Avenue from 97th, where the 16-floor apartment building is located, to 100th Street, a neighbor said.

Residents of all the building's 288 apartments were evacuated. A temporary shelter was set up at nearby P.S. 163.

They said the scene was chaotic, with dozens of them hanging out in the streets around their building. They said they were concerned about the structural integrity of the building.

"I'm not surprised that this happened. I don't know what caused it but they're building or rather they're demolishing and excavating extremely close to the building," a resident told us.

Building officials say they are cautiously optimistic that residents will be able to get back in to the building, except for those living right over the corner where the retaining wall collapsed.

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