JUNE 8, 2015
BLOOMINGTON, MINN. (KMSP)
A large part of the facade of the La Quinta Inn and Suites
in Bloomington, Minn. broke off and fell 14 floors. The incident happened early
Monday morning at the hotel at 5151 American Blvd., near the junction of
Interstate 494 and Highway 100.
According to Bloomington police, hotel staff called to report flooding in the lobby at about 1:50 a.m. Moments earlier, police had received reports of a loud crashing sound in the area.
According to Bloomington police, hotel staff called to report flooding in the lobby at about 1:50 a.m. Moments earlier, police had received reports of a loud crashing sound in the area.
When firefighters arrived at the hotel, they found
a large hole in the 14th floor, where part of the stucco exterior dislodged and
fell onto the roof of the lobby. The impact of the collapse damaged a water
pipe.
All guests were evacuated and relocated to other hotels.
Guests were allowed to return to their rooms for valuables and medications. No
injuries were reported.
Some hotel guests being allowed to return to rooms for
valuables/medication.
— Bill Keller (@billkellerfox9) June 8,
2015
It appears that the facade fell of because of lack of maintenance. Water was allowed to enter behind the facade and corroded the screws attaching the facade to the exterior envelope of the building.