By: Richard L. Smith
Firefighters and rescue crews responded to a building collapse in Newark’s South Ward early Wednesday morning that left debris scattered onto neighboring properties.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the 300 block of West Runyon Street at approximately 12:30 a.m. after receiving multiple reports of a building collapse in the area.
When crews arrived, they discovered that the structure had collapsed in nearly every direction, leaving only the front portion partially standing.

One side of the structure was leaning against a neighboring home as debris spilled into nearby properties.
City officials quickly determined that the building was abandoned at the time of the collapse, and no occupants were inside when the structure came down.
Authorities said debris from the collapse spread into adjacent homes, prompting crews to begin cleanup and secure the surrounding area to ensure safety for residents.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Officials continue to monitor the scene as cleanup efforts move forward in the South Ward neighborhood.