Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters who specialise in structural collapse have used laser monitoring equipment to assess and monitor the unstable front wall of a building in Tighes Hill, in Newcastle.
Just before 8:30 am this morning, FRNSW firefighters responded to reports of a building threatening to collapse in Elizabeth Street. The building, which was undergoing renovation, had developed large cracks on the front wall.
Gas and electricity supply
Firefighters immediately shut off the gas and electricity supply, before evacuating all residents, none of whom were injured. They established an exclusion zone to prevent the public entering the area, with Elizabeth St closed down between Maitland Rd and Union St.
FRNSW then set-up a multi-agency command centre to assess the scene, while continuing to monitor the condition of the wall. It's not yet known when evacuated residents will be able to return to their homes.