Cross Street Building in Danger of Roof Collapse

A building on Cross Street may be in danger of collapsing because of excess snow on its roof.

Malden emergency responders rushed to Furniture Concepts at 7 Cross St. early this afternoon after receiving reports the buildings roof was starting to sag. Inspectional services also headed to the scene to turn off electrical, water and other utility services.

“The owner said he heard some ungodly cracking and noise coming from inside,” said Deputy Fire Chief Phillip Cargill.

The roofline of the building could be seen sagging slightly by 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon. Cracks in the exterior walls were also visible.

Water service was shut off without incident, but the switch for electrical service to the building is under a snow-covered manhole, which firefighters and inspectors could not reach. They were forced to shut power off from the pole, killing electric service to other businesses and residences nearby.

Engineers from the building owner’s insurance company are expected at the scene Thursday afternoon to determine whether the roof could be bolstered or to keep the evacuation order in place. If the engineers give the OK, workers will be allowed into the building to add structural support to the roof.

There was at least two feet of snow on the roof, according to fire officials. The current cycle of heavy snow followed by frigid weather meant the snow pack has not melted significantly. Add to that the heavy rain from Wednesday’s storm, the snow became supersaturated with water, adding tremendous weight to the roof, Said Cargill.

“I knew this would be a problem with the rain we had yesterday,” he said.