Apartment complex condemned after roof partially collapses



FRANKLIN (WITI) -- The roof of an apartment complex in Franklin partially collapsed onto a second story balcony Friday afternoon, December 27th. No one was injured in the incident.

The Franklin Fire Department was called to Stonefield Apartments on College Ave. shortly before 3 p.m.

"A plane, I said, oh my god a plane. A plane hit the building," said Mary Jean Hudgins, who was napping when the roof collapsed. "I heard a crash and went to the patio doors. I live in the upper end unit. The one that was most affected by it."

An assistant manager says the damage was limited to the outside of the building. The cause of the collapse was determined to be ice dams on the roof. Others at complexes in the area expressed concern about ice dams on their roofs, as well.

"Last night, neighbors and I in our building heard creaks from the icicles on the roof and we took it upon ourselves to knock down the icicles over on our side," said a resident in a neighboring complex.

A building inspector condemned one side of the complex, forcing residents in seven units to be displaced. A total of 16 units are in the complex.

The Red Cross is assisting those looking for shelter.

Contractors will be working throughout the night to make repairs to the building so residents can go home. Apartment managers say they are hoping to have everyone back in the building by Saturday or Sunday.