Building Partially Collapses In New Berlin, Rain Possible Factor

NEW BERLIN, WI — The roof of the OAW Sports Complex near National and Racine Avenues in New Berlin partially collapsed Tuesday night amid heavy rain, prompting the evacuation of about 50 people inside, according to a news release from the New Berlin Fire Department.

Firefighters were called to the building at 5330 Racine Avenue just before 8 p.m. Nobody was allowed inside the building, which was deemed very unsafe. The roof collapsed in the southwest corner, possibly from water buildup on the roof, the fire department said.

Heavy rain and weather are likely factors in the incident. When firefighters first arrived, they shut off the building's natural gas and prioritized life safety. The building's owner was confident that everyone had made it out after reviewing security footage, the news release said.

The New Berlin Police Department is now guarding the building and the cause of the collapse is under investigation. Everyone made it out without injury, the fire department said.

In a statement posted to Twitter, OAW Sports Complex said it sustained major damage to its building. The complex said it will be closed indefinitely.

Several agencies responded to the incident. Structural engineers are working with the city to further determine what caused the collapse.