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Heavy rains cause partial roof collapse at apartment building

Posted at 6:19 PM, Aug 02, 2012
and last updated 2012-08-02 18:31:50-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Richmond fire officials say heavy rains likely caused the partial roof collapse at an apartment building.

It happened in the 3000 block of West Marshall Street near Summit Avenue Thursday afternoon.  

Residents said they heard a loud boom at the two-story building as the storm was moving through the area around 4 p.m. That's when tenants told CBS 6 News' Sandra Jones they saw water start pouring into the building.

Fire officials responded and said they believe the heavy rains caused the building's roof to partially collapse.

Five people were displaced after a building inspector deemed the apartments uninhabitable.

The apartment owner said he will help tenants in whatever ways he can. He also said there have not been any issues with the roof, but he plans to get it repaired as soon as possible.

The Red Cross is assisting the victims. 

Stay with CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for updates on this developing story.