Rain May Be Culprit In Partial Home Collapse

LAWRENCEVILLE (KDKA) - City building inspectors are trying to determine if Wednesday's record rainfall triggered the partial collapse of a row house in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood.

The collapse happened early Wednesday morning at 236 38th Street, about a block from Butler Street.

It took out the side-exterior wall, peeling away half of an upstairs bathroom and revealing part of the attic.

The homeowner, Michael Cummins, told KDKA's Jim Lokay that he was awoken by the sound of the collapse.

Cummins, who bought the house in 2007, believes it was triggered by ongoing construction in an adjacent lot.

Allegheny County property records indicate the lot next door was purchased in May by E Properties and Development. Neighbors say an older house on the site was razed at the end of the summer.

Cummins believes the pit where the home formerly stood had filled with rainwater, compromising his home.

After the collapse, Cummins was allowed to return inside, but a more thorough investigation may result in the condemnation of the home.