MOUNT VERNON — A vacant three-story building at 16 North Bond Street suffered a total structural collapse Thursday morning, crushing several parked vehicles and prompting the evacuation of two neighboring apartment buildings.
The collapse occurred between Mount Vernon Avenue and Oak Street while construction workers were shoring up the fire-damaged building as part of an approved stabilization project. Three workers who had been inside were taking a break near the rear of the property and escaped without injury.
“They were taking a break, luckily for them, they were in the rear of the building when the collapse happened,” Mount Vernon Fire Department Chief Rodney Samson said. “It was a pancaked collapse, so that means each floor just basically dropped straight down on each other.”
The building had been heavily damaged by a fire in 2023, and the property owner received permits late last year to perform structural work.
As a precaution, residents of the adjoining buildings at 14 and 18 North Bond Street were evacuated while city officials conducted interior and exterior structural assessments, including evaluations of the neighboring buildings and roofing systems. Residents have since been allowed to return.
Electric service, which was temporarily disconnected as a safety measure, has been restored, and the surrounding streets have reopened.
The Mount Vernon Department of Public Works will continue debris-removal operations. North Bond Street between Oak Street and Mount Vernon Avenue will be closed from 6:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. during the cleanup. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and expect delays.
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. City officials said additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
