A mysterious shower of bricks falling from the exterior of a building in downtown Aurora resulted in the evacuation of occupants and the closure of East Galena Boulevard between Broadway and Lincoln Avenue.
The Aurora Police Department and the Aurora Fire Department were called to 104 East Galena Boulevard yesterday to investigate bricks falling from the side of the building onto the sidewalk and street. Residents from 102 and 104 East Galena Boulevard were evacuated as emergency responders worked to assess the structure.
According to Aurora police, the American Red Cross and Victim Services were contacted to assist displaced residents. A total of 11 apartments and two businesses were evacuated and, according to the property managers, all residents found temporary housing.
By mid-afternoon, the south side of East Galena had reopened to allow eastbound traffic, following clearance from a structural engineer who confirmed there are no safety concerns with the building.
Scaffolding installation is scheduled for today. Once complete, the north side of East Galena will also reopen. The cause of the falling bricks has not been announced.
