Hunter
05/29/23
A downtown Davenport apartment building partially collapsed late Sunday afternoon, destroying units and displacing residents.
Emergency crews are still on scene continuing search and rescue efforts, as there are still residents missing and unaccounted for.
Mayor Mike Matson said that St. Anthony’s Catholic Church is serving as a reunification area for the displaced residents.
Fire Chief Mike Carlsten said a portion of the rear part of the six-story building, known as “The Davenport,” had collapsed and separated from the rest of the building. KWQC TV reported that crews also found a large natural gas leak and water leaking from all floors of the structure.
Seven people were initially rescued by first responders, and over a dozen people were escorted out. Many others self-evacuated after the collapse.
Building owner Andrew Wold reportedly had permits to make repairs to exterior brick prior to the collapse; there were reports of bricks falling from the building earlier in the week.
The area is closed off for an extended period as crews continue their work. Governor Kim Reynolds has offered full assistance.