Community center becomes refuge after Mott Haven building collapse
While some tenants were allowed to return, families in the F- and G-line apartments remained displaced and unsure of what would come next.
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The Mitchel Community Center turned into a daylong refuge Wednesday as dozens of residents displaced by a partial building collapse on Alexander Avenue sought food, supplies and a place to regroup.
While some tenants were allowed to return, families in the F- and G-line apartments remained displaced and unsure of what would come next.
Linda Duke, 80, said she was forced out after the blast and feared she wouldn’t make it to safety.
"I did more walking today than I have done in the last two weeks,” said Duke, who recently had open-heart surgery and two knee replacements. “I thought the whole building was gonna fall.”
Neighbors carried her out.
"People that don’t even speak to me came to make sure that I got out of the building,” Duke said. “A young man brought me down on his back!”
Others ran as bricks fell.
"Once I saw the bricks falling, that’s when I was really scared ’cause I didn’t know if the building was gonna come tumbling down,” said Kayla G.
A young couple said they carried their baby down 16 flights of stairs.
“Moments like this let me know that anything can happen at any moment,” said Jahmeik Garris. “I’m just grateful that her scream helped me get into action, get our daughter.”
The American Red Cross set up at the community center, handing out meals and basic supplies. NYCHA said hotel rooms will be provided for residents who need them. The agency is also bringing in portable units to restore heat and hot water for tenants cleared to return.
No injuries were reported. Dozens of families were still waiting Wednesday night to learn where they would sleep and how long it would take before their apartments are safe.
