Woman found dead in basement when first floor of her home collapses, PA officials say
A woman was found dead after the first floor of her home collapsed, Philadelphia officials said.
Authorities received a call for a wellness check shortly after 12:15 p.m. March 17 after a neighbor discovered the “collapsed dwelling,” Philadelphia Fire Department Assistant Chief Charles Walker said during a news conference shared by WCAU.
Walker said fire officials found the woman’s body in the basement, under the “debris that was created by the collapse itself,” WPHL reported.
The woman’s house had been in disrepair before the collapse, WPVI reported.
James Williams, the woman’s neighbor, told the outlet he reported the home to the city over a year ago after seeing squirrels entering through the roof and precipitation pouring in.
“It’s unfortunate for anybody to die like that,” Williams told WPHL.
At the news conference, Walker said they “have no idea when this collapse occurred.”
The woman’s age and identity have not been released and the collapse is under investigation.
