Partial building collapse at construction site in West Town

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Friday, February 19, 2016
Partial building collapse at construction site in West Town
Chicago Fire Department units responded to a partial building collapse at a construction site in West Town near the United Center.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Fire Department units responded to a partial building collapse at a construction site in West Town near the United Center Friday afternoon.

Two walls of a prefabricated building fell during construction at a site across the street from Like Minds Brewing Company in the 1800-block of West Walnut Street. A neighbor says the finished building will be the future site of Great Central Brewing Company.

Officials say the high winds caused the walls' collapse as they were being put up. It appears one of the walls crushed a car when it fell, but officials confirm no one was in the car at the time.

There were no injuries reported. A building inspector is on scene, and Chicago Fire Department crews left the area shortly after 1:30 p.m.

"We were just working, and we heard a rumble. The whole building shook," said witness Alex Leon.

Jason Durov

Construction crews in other parts of town say they never underestimate the dangers that come with working in windy weather.

"I have worked in high winds and scaffolds - scary stuff - you have to take it down. But these guys did a good job, I have to admit it," said Nolan McKeegan, construction worker.

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