North End roof collapse reminds neighbors of another scare involving vacant building

BOSTON — The roof collapse in Boston’s North End that forced 20 people to evacuate is reminding some of another scare involving a vacant building under construction less than four years ago.

Thursday morning’s incident at 43 Fleet Street caused as many as three floors to come crashing down in the five-story building.

Investigators said the building is a construction site but that the last time any work happened there was about two years ago.

Some neighbors, who have lived on the block for years, are reminiscent of another incident nearby in June of 2019.

The partial collapse of a vacant building under renovation at 279 North Street, at the corner of Fleet Street, displaced 57 residents.

“Within 3-4 years, two buildings on the same block getting redone collapse. That’s kind of a coincidence if you think about it,” said neighbor Mike O’Brien. “It’s concerning because it’s the second time it’s happened.”

Boston 25 News asked the city’s Inspectional Services Department how it keeps track of vacant properties and what responsibilities property owners have to prevent collapses from happening.

We’re still waiting on a response to those questions.

“Those vacant buildings could use a check-up every once in a while,” said Kyle B., who had to evacuate from his apartment at 37 Fleet Street.

Three years ago, Boston 25 News reported on a new investigation and enforcement unit that was created within Boston’s Inspectional Services to crack down on delinquent properties.

At the time, an ISD spokesperson said the new unit aimed to prevent collapses by teaming up with the Boston Fire Department, Boston Police and the Boston Public Health Commission.

“A lived-in building, when you see problems, you deal with it. When a building’s not lived in, problems can get worse, and I think that’s likely the situation here,” said Boston Deputy Fire Chief James Greene at Thursday’s scene.

Those who had to evacuate several neighboring buildings on Thursday have been temporarily placed in a hotel.

The property owner of the building where it happened has been told to hire a licensed engineer and submit mitigation plans and drawings to Boston’s Inspectional Services Department.

He’s also been ordered to hire a company to stabilize the building.

Boston fire investigators said they remain concerned about an unsupported wall that faces the alley.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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