It was Dominican Mother’s Day on Sunday, and there were parties on Kearny Street in Newark. Eyewitness News reported that a family was sitting on their front porch around 6:30 p.m. when the entire structure suddenly collapsed, separating from the building and causing the victims to fall one story.
“They called, ‘come here, come here – the stairs fell!'” said Andrea Rodriguez.
At least eight people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Rodriguez said her neighbors felt like family to her.
Authorities blocked off the accident scene and several nearby homes due to similar construction issues and fears of another collapse. Each front set of steps connects to two doors at the top landing.
“It hurts, it hurts – it’s so sad, it’s my family,” Rodriguez added.