Vacant Building in Mamaroneck Collapses During Demolition

The remains of a building on 122-134 Mamaroneck Ave. in the Village of Mamaroneck that collapsed around noon today were scattered on the sidewalk in front of the vacant structure, as bystanders and passers by craned their necks to assess the damages.

Village of Mamaroneck Fire Chief Robert Pecchia said the Village of Mamaroneck Fire and Police Departments were called to the scene at 11:50 a.m. on the report of a partial building collapse.  Though the brick, cinderblock and wood building was scheduled for demolition today, said Pecchia, a mishap by the crew performing the demo caused the building to come down a little earlier than anticipated.

"It was a freak accident," said Pecchia, adding, "It's not clear if the demo was to drop the building." 

There was no one inside the building when the collapse occurred and no injuries reported. 

The location—which has been vacant for about a year—was being demolished to make room for additional storefronts on the avenue.

At press time, fire officials were waiting for the demolition crews to arrive to make the area safe by pulling debris on the sidewalk into the actual site.  Eventually, they would take the whole building and "mash it in the middle," said Pecchia, explaning the process.

Mamaroneck Avenue between Boston Post Road and Prospect Avenue is closed until further notice.