WATCH: Building collapses in Northeast DC during severe storms
hasVideo captures roof collapse in Northeast DC during thunderstorm
Ring Camera footage shows a structural collapse of a building in Northeast DC during Thursday's Thunderstorm. Neighbors say that they had previous concerns about the structural integrity of the building.
WASHINGTON - A partially constructed building in Northeast D.C. collapsed Thursday evening following severe weather that swept through the region.
What we know:
The incident occurred at 19th and H Streets NE, where firefighters responded to a significant structural failure at a site under renovation.
Video first obtained by FOX 5 shows several floors of a building under construction collapsing during yesterday’s storms.
Photos of the aftermath show large wooden framing debris covering part of the sidewalk and street, including a white BMW partially pinned beneath collapsed beams.
Yellow caution tape and D.C. Fire and EMS personnel surrounded the area.
Authorities confirmed that the building was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported. Crews also inspected adjacent row homes for potential damage or safety concerns and found no structural issues. A safety zone was established around the site.
What they're saying:
Several neighbors tell FOX 5 this has been a nuisance property, sitting under construction for years.
"Number one, I think there’s shared responsibility. Absolutely, I think the city is responsible for this — because the buck stops with the city. They determine who gets permits, who gets denied permits, and this is one that should’ve been denied," said ANC Commissioner Juan McCullum. "This is one that we’ve put on the radar over and over and over again. In fact, last week I had a public meeting with the director of DOB — I pointed out this building and said I was afraid it was going to collapse."
McCullum tells FOX 5 that a part of the roof from this same building — also under construction at the time — flew off in 2021 and damaged his property.
An online database shows the city has issued at least 19 stop work orders for this property since 2019.
The most recent one was posted in 2023 — citing illegal construction and working without a permit.
McCullum and other neighbors say they raised these concerns with the mayor during a safety walk two years ago.
They’ve also had conversations with Councilmember Zachary Parker.
One common fear: that the wood had been rotting after sitting exposed for so long.
"The building was leaning this way. The floor above what remains was leaning to the north. The floor above it — leaning to the south," said neighbor Skip Keats. "It was a matter of time before the entire building pancaked."
FOX 5 has reached out to city leadership and the property owner for comment.
Big picture view:
The collapse followed a series of intense storms that moved through D.C., Maryland, and Virginia Thursday evening. The weather caused widespread damage, including downed trees, power outages, and hazardous road conditions across the region.