1 injured in apartment building collapse in Middletown, crews investigating

One person was injured in a partial apartment building collapse caused by an explosion today in Middletown.

Crews were dispatched at about 11:30 a.m. today to the 400 block of Cribbs Avenue. South Main Street was closed in both directions because of the incident.

One female victim was transported from scene to an area hospital with minor injuries, and all other residents have been accounted for, said Middletown assistant fire chief Tom Snively.

Snively said it was “very fortunate” no one else was injured or killed, given the damage that was done. He said officials don’t yet know what caused the explosion.

At least five apartments were affected, according to police. The American Red Cross is on the scene to help those affected by the incident.

Crews investigating in one of the buildings said the level of debris made it unsafe to move up to the second floor.

Teresa Waryas, who lives several doors down from the affected apartments, said she was sleeping when she heard a loud boom. She and her daughter saw smoke, but no fire, from the building.

“It was crazy,” she said. “I just can’t believe it.”

Crews from Duke Energy checked the scene, and officials said the air quality was normal.

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