A downtown Newell apartment building partially collapsed Tuesday morning, triggering a multi-agency emergency response and displacing its two residents.
According to Newell Fire Chief Bruce Erie, he received a phone call from a local business owner that the structure at 118 S. Fulton St. began deteriorating earlier in the morning. Crews had planned to reinforce the building but were delayed when the front portion gave way around 9:30-10 a.m.
The building—an apartment situated above a vacant storage space—is part of a cluster of three interconnected units. The collapse raises concerns about the structural integrity of all three buildings, and the area has since been cordoned off.
Chief Erie reports that 11 firefighters were on scene, joined by the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa DOT, and Buena Vista County Secondary Road Department, with the American Red Cross arriving later, around 4 p.m., to assist displaced tenants—two men who lived in the apartment.
Initial steps focused on securing the perimeter and evaluating structural damage. Erie emphasized the importance of safety and the continued risk of falling debris.
No injuries were reported, and Erie commended his team for their caution and professionalism.
The full extent of the damage remains under review. A structural engineer is expected to assess the site within 48 hours, after which insurance teams will determine next steps—whether parts of the building can be salvaged or demolition will be necessary.
