NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Emergency crews were called to a business in Hillsboro Village Thursday afternoon after the front of the building collapsed. No one was hurt.
The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. at the Village Cleaners, located on Acklen Avenue.
A photo from the scene showed piles of bricks and cinder blocks scattered along the sidewalk. The building’s awning also collapsed.
Officials on the scene said two people were inside the business at the time. They were not injured.
"I saw a crack in the front window, and then heard a strange sound," said Jenny Dobson, an employee at Village Cleaners. "I turned around and you could see it falling an the puff of smoke from where it fell."
Dobson said she was able to escape the building through the back.
The owner, Bill Coakley, said the building is at least 60 years old. There were some cracks in the building's concrete that were supposed to be inspected Thursday afternoon.
Coakley said despite the extensive damage, the business will rebuild and open again.
"It's a mess, but we will be back," said Coakley.
The fire marshal is investigating the cause of the collapse. A structural engineer is also expected to inspect the building Friday morning.
