Wall gapes not new. Tenant Celina Campagna reported seeing fissures seven months ago. She said she was especially concerned because of the proximity of gas line ports into the building. Image: Andrew Deziel
No fire, no blast as back wall drops off
WASECA, Minn. – The backside of an aging building in the downtown Waseca historic district collapsed into the alley. Upstairs tenants got out in time. Celina Campagna, said the building collapsed around her: “I looked at my husband and said ‘The building just fell.’” The first-floor storefront was vacant. Adjoining businesses on State Street were evacuated as a precaution. These included the Waseca Music band equipment shop. Highway 13 south to Albert Lea and north to St. Paul, which winds through town, was blocked for emergency crews. The city public safety director, Kris Markeson, had no idea when — or if — tenants would be able to move back in. Markeson said a building engineer was being called to evaluate structural worthiness. First-responders went inside to rescue pets and retrieve personal belongings for tenants. There had been warnings. Celina Campagna said she started seeing cracks in September. “I called the city several times. I talked to the building inspector and our landlord.” she said.