A partial building collapse at a north Phoenix strip mall prompted a large emergency response Thursday morning near Cave Creek and Greenway roads, though officials said no injuries were reported after the incident.
According to Phoenix fire officials, the collapse happened shortly after 11 a.m. at a shopping center located near Cave Creek Road and Greenway Road. Emergency crews arrived to find that part of the roofline and decorative façade of the building had collapsed outside several businesses within the strip mall.
Aerial footage from the scene showed debris from the roof scattered across the sidewalk and parking area, with portions of the structure landing on nearby vehicles parked outside the businesses. Officials later clarified that the collapse involved a decorative false mansard attached to the building rather than the entire roof structure itself.
The collapse impacted at least two businesses, including a Latin American restaurant and a hookah lounge located within the shopping center. Surveillance footage captured from a nearby business reportedly showed the roofline beginning to shake moments before suddenly crashing down.
Witnesses described hearing a loud boom when the structure gave way. Darya Todd, who owns a salon near the collapse site, said the sound resembled two trucks crashing together. She said she immediately ran toward the entrance after hearing the noise and saw that one vehicle’s windows had been smashed by debris. Todd added that she quickly grabbed her daughter and ran outside as the situation unfolded.
Officials said employees inside the businesses safely evacuated the building before emergency crews fully secured the area. Phoenix Fire confirmed that all workers and customers were accounted for and that no injuries were reported despite the large amount of debris and damage.
Two vehicles parked outside the strip mall were damaged during the collapse. Reports indicated the cars belonged to the owner of the Latin American restaurant and the owner’s son. Debris from roof tiles, wooden beams, and portions of the façade remained spread across the sidewalk and storefront entrances for several hours after the collapse.
Phoenix Fire technical rescue teams responded to the scene to stabilize the structure and assess whether additional portions of the building were at risk of collapsing. Fire Prevention personnel were also called in to evaluate the damage and determine the next steps needed to safely secure the property.
Authorities temporarily blocked off portions of the shopping center while crews worked around the damaged structure. Emergency responders said they needed to ensure the area was stable before allowing anyone back near the affected businesses.
Officials have not yet determined what caused the partial collapse, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Source: ABC15 Arizona
