Video shows moment apartment complex partially collapses in Philadelphia's Francisville section

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Video obtained by Action News the partial collapse of an apartment building in Philadelphia's Francisville neighborhood on Sunday night.

It happened just after 9:30 p.m. at the Darrah School Apartments along the 700 block of North 17th Street.

Nearly all of the brick along the entire top portion of the building fell several stories to the ground.

"I was laying in bed and I felt this crazy shake, and I was like, 'Oh my God, there must be an earthquake,'" said Joelle Pitkoff, who lives inside Darrah School Apartments.

The sound of the falling brick was so loud that police said people initially called 911 to report an explosion.

"I was sleeping and I heard this bang, sounded like a bomb," said Sarah Rice, of Francisville.

The site is a renovation of an old school building that has been turned into a large apartment building.

Viewer video captured the moment chucks of brick and cinderblocks fell more than five stories, crashing onto the sidewalk below.

"Just suppose you were coming down that street, you would've been gone," Rice said

Another viewer sent Action News video shortly after the partial collapse, showing Folsom St. filled with debris as crew worked to get the street blocked off.

According to police, no injuries were reported at the scene. However, some vehicles in the area were damaged by falling bricks.

Residents told Action News they've seen recent instances of other buildings with structural issues in the rapidly changing neighborhood.

"It kind of feels like a lot of developers around here just kind of operate free will and they probably don't have enough funding to make sure these older buildings are up to snuff," said Brian Snelling, of Francisville.

Investigators have not said what may have led to the partial collapse.

The Department of Licenses and Inspections posted a notice on the door warning people to keep out, but residents -- including Pitkoff -- say they've been allowed back inside.

She said she feels on edge being inside the building.

"Definitely a little nervous working here today from my apartment," Pitkoff said.