Building collapses in Southeast Houston; at least two injured

FROM KHOU.COM HOUSTON

Houston firefighters have rescued two people from a collapsed building near I-45 and Griggs Road in Southeast Houston.

Asst. Fire Chief Tommy Dowdy said they are searching for a third victim. He said crews are shoring up the areas where that person is believed to be trapped.

The large two-story apartment complex was in the process of being refurbished.

“One of the buildings has pancaked and fallen,” said Dowdy.

Both of the victims rescued so far were taken to area hospitals.

Their conditions are unknown.

Dowdy said rescue teams are using search cameras to find the other victim.

“They have cameras with flexible arms that allow them to stick it into the rubble and search in the void space,” Dowdy said.

He said HFD rescue crews underwent additional training for building collapses and bought special equipment after 9/11.

Dowdy said it’s too early to speculate about the cause of the collapse.

The investigation will begin once the rescue is complete.