Bricks Fall from Building in Reading: Safety Concerns and Inspection Underway
Late Wednesday morning, residents in Reading, Massachusetts were startled when several bricks fell from a building on Lowell Street. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The incident occurred at 32 Lowell Street, a building that has stood for over a century and currently houses the Northeast School of Ballet. The town building department was promptly notified, and crews were dispatched to the scene to assess the situation and ensure public safety.
Reading Town Manager, Matt Kraunelis, expressed relief that no one was hurt, stating, “That’s the real important piece of this.” Recognizing the potential danger, officials are taking precautionary measures by thoroughly inspecting the building to determine if there are any underlying structural issues. Kraunelis emphasized, “We’re going to err on the side of caution here and take a good hard look at the building before anyone is allowed back in.”
The incident occurred during ongoing renovations on the structure, raising concerns about construction safety practices. Residents reported hearing a loud noise before witnessing the bricks falling. One witness, Sullivan, initially thought a truck associated with the renovations had tipped over, but upon closer inspection, she saw that the bricks had collapsed onto the ground. Surveillance footage from Sullivan’s house captured the swift response of Reading Fire Crews, who arrived at the scene within minutes.
The Northeast School of Ballet, usually bustling with activity, was fortunate to have been closed at the time of the incident. While the school recently hosted summer classes, it is not scheduled to reopen until September. This temporary closure offers a silver lining, as it ensures the safety of the staff, students, and visitors who would typically frequent the building.
To further ensure public safety, the area surrounding the building has been cordoned off, and a temporary sidewalk closure has been implemented. Additional fencing has been installed to block access until experts complete their inspection. The owner of the building at 32 Lowell Street is cooperating with officials and expects the inspection to occur in the coming days.
Brick falls from buildings pose a serious risk to public safety, making it crucial to identify and address any potential structural issues promptly. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections and adherence to construction safety protocols. By prioritizing caution and safety, officials in Reading are taking the necessary steps to prevent any future accidents or injuries.
