Building Collapse Crushes Car in Brookline; No Injuries Reported

BROOKLINE, Mass. — A car owner recounted the shocking moment her vehicle was crushed by the collapse of a partially renovated apartment building on Vernon Street Sunday morning. According to Brookline Fire Chief John Sullivan, the second and third floors of the vacant structure fell onto neighboring buildings and parked cars during a renovation project.

Home security cameras captured the incident, vividly illustrating the dramatic collapse that affected several cars, including a Rivian owned by Erica Koval. “Whenever you see a car, you can’t help but think of who is sitting where,” Koval said. “My first thought was, ‘That’s where my husband sits,’ and it’s just four layers of brick deep in his seat. And that’s where my kids sit, and the car’s just caved in where they sit.”

The significant damage caused by the incident left Koval’s vehicle unrecognizable. “The nuisance of insurance claims and all that, but that’s a wonderful nuisance to have and we’re not dealing with hospital visits,” she added, noting that her husband had been outside shoveling snow just five minutes before the collapse.

Following the incident, emergency crews evacuated residents from the block to ensure the safety of surrounding structures. “One of the neighbors was out starting his vehicle and it’s my understanding he left his vehicle and the building collapsed right behind him,” Sullivan explained.

Crews have quickly begun the process of demolishing the entire building due to safety concerns. “Nobody got hurt,” a witness remarked. “That’s what’s most important.”

Authorities are investigating the incident, but initial reports suggest that no injuries were reported among residents or passersby. An assessment of the debris will follow the demolition to review the cause of the collapse.