Manhattan- Wall Collapse/10-60 (Major Emergency) 5-12-05

[mllax14 18]

Date: 05/12/05

Time: 16:21 (Approximately)

Location: 1380 Riverside Drive (adjacent to) X 181 St.

Box: 1750

Frequency: 154.250 (FDNY Manhattan)

Units: Multiple FDNY Units including multiple Rescues, Collapse units, and field communications, Multiple NYPD including ESU, aviation units, Office of Emergency Management, DDC, and Department of Sanitation.

Description: Collapse of retaining wall sending dirt, rock and other debris onto Riverside Dr. and reaching the northbound lanes of the Henry Hudson Parkway, just north of the George Washington Bridge.

Writer: mllax14, EJS1810, Truck4

16:21 hrs- FDNY dispatched 10-60 Major Emergency Response to Riverside Dr & 181 ST. at box 1750 for reported major wall collapse on to Henry Hudson Parkway with possible injuries and entrapment under debris. Reports of residents evacuated because of possible danger of more collapses, NYPD calling for Level- 2 mobilization. Unknown reason for collapse.

1715hrs- NYPD now declaring Level-3 mobilization at scene bringing at least 150 more police officers/units to scene. Massive amount of debris, dirt & trees onto Riverside Dr., near northbound entrance ramp. All lanes of the Henry Hudson Parkway closed. O.E.M. requested Heavy equipment from DDC & Sanitation to remove debris to help search for possible victims in cars that may be buried. Inbound traffic delays over 2 hours on the GWB.

1800hrs- 50 foot wall collapsed at rear of Castle Hill Apartments complex and next to 1380 Riverside Dr. Section is in excess of 200 feet in length. Companies can not confirm entrapment at this time and are still awaiting heavy equipment to start excavating. Mayor's Office has ruled out water main break and has confirmed that private property is involved. Traffic on the GWB has eased.

1820hrs- No reported injuries or victims in the area outside of the debris field. Southbound Henry Hudson Parkway is open.

1850hrs- USAR K-9 team on scene on W. 181st St.

1900hrs- NYPD Highway units escorting NYC Parks Dept. heavy equipment over the Tri-boro Bridge, responding to scene. FD rpts continuing to use all hands.

1930hrs- According to the Mayor at a press conference, an NYPD unit had the street closed just prior to the major collapse due to an earlier minor collapse of portions of the wall. After speaking to witnesses and using listening devices and SAR dogs, it is belived that there are no persons trapped under the collapse at this time. This will not be confirmed completely until after the debris is removed.

2300hrs- FDNY will hold (1) Engine, (1) Truck and (1) BC while crews begin to remove debris. Units will be rotated every (3) hours.