Chaotic Scene
Dozens of spectators had gathered behind the yellow tape Monday morning and watched search-and-rescue teams comb through the rubble as one resident remarked on the total loss of the home.
“It’s completely leveled,” the resident said.
Cadaver dogs were brought in to sniff for possible victims trapped, and searchers appeared to be using infrared cameras to detect hotspots and possible body heat.
Authorities set up tents and a command post nearby as a food truck was brought in to feed and provide water to first responders.
A part of the roof appeared mostly intact, on top of a towering six-foot heap of bricks and debris. Another mangled part of the home toward the back was still standing as was a nearby billboard, both which were razed later in the day.
Fire alarms at Pozniak’s next-door photography studio, at 1806 South Broad Street, went off earlier in the morning.
Pozniak, who could not immediately be reached for comment at a listed number, is the listed owner of four more buildings on the 1800 block, property records show.
Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver released a statement saying the governor’s office and the Department of Community Affairs were being updated on the home collapse.
“The State continues to closely monitor the situation in Hamilton Township and is availing all appropriate resources and experts to the investigation who will work to identify the cause of the house collapse,” she said. “We are deeply saddened that one person has lost her life, and we extend our sincerest wishes for a full recovery to the survivors . ... One of our most important jobs at the Department of Community Affairs is to help ensure that residents have a home that is safe. We will work with local, county, and other state officials to determine the cause of [Monday’s] collapse, and how we can prevent future occurrences.”