In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a building collapse on the 1900 block of Zarker Street trapped three workers on Tuesday afternoon (May 19). The incident occurred around 3:42 p.m. when an outside wall of a condemned duplex fell, trapping the workers under the rubble. Emergency crews quickly arrived on the scene to rescue the individuals, who were then transported to a hospital. Their current conditions remain unknown, though injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening, according to Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline.
The building had been condemned previously, with a "stop work" notice posted in April 2025 due to hazardous conditions. Despite this, work was being carried out with proper permits. As reported by CBS 21, the duplex will be demolished, likely by Wednesday morning, as part of an emergency declaration.
The collapse highlights ongoing issues with blighted buildings in Harrisburg. Chief Enterline noted, "We have quite a few buildings fall down every year," emphasizing the challenges faced by city fire crews. The city has been working to address these issues, but the aging housing stock presents significant obstacles.
While the rescue operation was underway, firefighters engaged with local children who gathered to watch, offering them a sense of community amidst the chaos. Enterline remarked on the importance of community involvement, saying, "It gives them that opportunity, 'hey, maybe someday I want to be a fireman.'"
The situation remains under investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.