Video: Investigation To Start Soon Into Partial Collapse Of Front Street Building

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — Soggy weather meant there was no activity at the Front Street building , where the second floor walls collapsed .

At least one construction worker suffered a broken leg, and a broken rib.

Now, a meeting is set for Tuesday, April 12th, with the general contractor, the chief building inspector and the structural engineer.

“So between those three parties we will get together and and find out which path we can move forward together, we’re still looking forward to getting the building completed, but obviously at this point we do need to sit back and re evaluate and make sure that we move forward in the most safe way possible,” said Shane

Hooper, director of developmental services for the City of Tupelo.

The building is owned by Tupelo Attorney Kenneth Mayfield, who has an office complex nearby. Mayfield says plans call for a furniture store in the 15,000 square foot two story building.

Meantime, Developmental Services Director Shane Hooper says the site has been made as safe as possible until the all clear is given for construction
to resume.

“And that’s why we take the precautions we take, there are regular inspections, prescribed by the building code, that we follow and all of those were followed, unfortunately, accidents happen and the potential for an accident is always there,” Hooper said.

Hooper says there hasn’t been a similar accident in recent memory.

Hooper could give no timeline on when construction might resume