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Several People Trapped After Building Collapses In Philadelphia
By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Jun 5, 2013
Modified Jun 5, 2013
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By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Jun 5, 2013
Modified Jun 5, 2013
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A dramatic scene is unfolding in Center City, Philadelphia after a building collapsed at around 10:45 this morning, trapping several people.
Philadelphia police have ruled out any foul play and believe that 8-10 people were trapped in the collapse. Authorities believe that the demolition of an old pornography theater next door caused the dramatic collapse.
As you can see from this before and after photo from Buzzfeed, the building completely collapsed. UPDATE: The photo is a little misleading as the building was already under demolition. Here's a more recent photograph.

NBC10 Phildelphia is showing the rescue efforts, which now include large machinery digging for survivors. At least two people remain trapped, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.
Update 12:38 -- Twelve people have been transported to local hospitals and all of them are in stable condition. Two people are still missing.
Tagged
building collapse
disaster
philadelphia
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Max Rivlin-Nadler has been a contributor to Gothamist since 2013. He has also reported for the New York Times, NPR, and The Intercept. His years-long investigation into New York City's arcane civil forfeiture laws led to a series of reforms which altered a practice that had been taking millions from poor communities for decades. Recently, he brought back a surfing habit from a few years on the west coast, and would love to see you all out in the Rockaways.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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