On Sunday, December 18th, 2022, at approximately 08:47 hours, The Boston Fire Department struck Box: 2753 (Corinth St. & Belgrade Ave) for a Tech Rescue response to a report of a building collapse at 2-8 Corinth Street in Roslindale near Roslindale Square. Firefighters along with Boston Police and Boston EMS quickly responded.
First arriving companies were originally dispatched to a motor vehicle accident but once they arrived on scene they found a car that had crashed into a 100x 200 ft. commercial building causing the entire front of the building to collapse, partially on top of the car.
After initially taking command of the incident, BFD District 10 Chief immediately requested Boston ISD (Inspectional Services Department), as well as a structural engineer due to the concern of the building further collapsing.
A collapse zone was established for safety concerns and Boston firefighters quickly evacuated neighboring buildings as well. National Grid also responded to the scene to turn off the gas and electric utilities to the building. A hose line was stretched as a precaution. Boston Police also closed off Belgrade Ave and Corinth Street to traffic.
Numerous BFD Technical Rescue Units responded including the collapse rescue unit, H6. They used specialized lasers to monitor any movement of the building. The Boston Fire Drone Operation Unit also responded to assist in surveying the damage providing aerial images of the entire scene.
The building, located at the corner of Belgrade Ave, Corinth St & Birch St, is home to several businesses including Threading For Beauty Salon, Sebastian’s Barber Shop, Leise Jones Photography Studio and The Square Root Cafe. It is unknown how many people were inside the building at the time of the crash.
Prior to responders arriving, a good samaritan was successfully able to quickly pull the male driver out of the heavily damaged vehicle and move him away from the unstable building before a large chunk of the facade fell on top of the car. The driver was transported to a local hospital by Boston EMS with what is reported to be minor injuries including a laceration to the face.
At this time, a plan is being developed by Boston ISD, building engineers, Boston Fire and other agencies on how to shore up and stabilize the building to safely remove the vehicle without causing any more damage. As for the businesses affected by this incident, it is unknown when they will be able to rebuild and reopen.
It is currently unknown what may have caused the car to crash into the building. The incident is actively being investigated by the Boston Fire Department as well as the Boston Police Department Auto Investigation Unit. The estimated damages is currently unknown.
