Porches collapse on front of Fountain Hill homes

FOUNTAIN HILL, Pa. -

Porches on three row homes in Fountain Hill, Lehigh Co., collapsed Tuesday afternoon.

Firefighters and rescue workers responded to the initial report of a structural collapse at 738 Seneca St. The roof of a fourth home appeared to be damaged and crews later took it down themselves. Some people were evacuated from adjoining homes.

"We ended up sticking the cameras through to make sure that there was nobody trapped underneath," said Asst. Chief David Boehrer with the Fountain Hill Fire Department.

He said there were no injuries. Power and gas were cut off but Boehrer said residents would be allowed back inside later Tuesday night once debris was cleaned up.

"If you can get access, try to push the snow off 'cause we're getting rain tomorrow and it's going to even be worse," Boehrer warned.

Joseph Roy, superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District, said the district was asked to open Fountain Hill Elementary School as a shelter for evacuated residents. Tables and chairs will be set up in the gymnasium or the cafeteria. District security and custodial personnel will be on hand to provide any assistance they can.

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Porches collapse on front of Fountain Hill homes