Families evacuated after apartment roof collapses in Florence
Florence, S.C. (WPDE) — About 42 people have been evacuated from an apartment on Mayfield Terrace in Florence after heavy rains caused the roof to collapse Monday morning, according to Levi James with the Florence County Emergency Management Division.
Florence County Emergency Management Department (FCEMD) said first responders received reports of the incident around noon.
James said the roof had already been weak from extensive rains during Hurricane Matthew and Monday's rain caused it to cave in.
He said all 16 units in the building have been damaged.
James said the American Red Cross has set up a shelter at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Florence for residents impacted by the roof collapsing.
FCEMD said the whole building has now been condemned, marking it as unfit for anyone to live in and they will go back again Tuesday morning to talk to the property manager.
The Red Cross will have recovery planning here at St. Luke Lutheran church tomorrow morning at 10 for those that lived in the apartment building.
We have a crew on scene.
