After the collapse of a building in Iowa, there are still 5 missing, they suspect that 2 are still under the rubble
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Despite the efforts, the instability of the building is one of the biggest obstacles, so the authorities are evaluating the possibility of ending the search for more victims given the risk of a new collapse.
Following the collapse of a more than 100-year-old brick and steel structure in Davenport, Iowa, rescue teams are still working to find more victims, according to officials, five people are still missing, including two who are likely still among the debris.
Mayor Mike Matson confirmed the number missing, but expressed little hope of getting anyone alive, saying it “could be a resting place for some of the missing”.
The six-story apartment building partially collapsed Sunday. As of Tuesday morning, nine people had been rescued. Officials are currently working to determine whether and how to proceed with the search for the unstable remains of the building if possible.
“We are very understanding of the possibility of two people remaining” inside, said Deputy Fire Chief Jim Morris as he fought back tears.
Morris said at the news conference that he had previously spoken with rescue teams “about the feasibility of an additional search” of the building, to look for other occupants and pets. Search teams were still at the site, but Morris said the structure “is unstable and continues to get worse as time goes on.
The building is in imminent danger of collapse,' said Larry Sandhaas, a structural engineer for the firm Shive-Hattery who was commissioned by the city to assess the collapse site and provide engineering advice as recovery efforts progressed. He said that the rubble pile itself is helping to support the building.