BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Connecticut couple's Buffalo sightseeing tour took an unexpected turn when they witnessed bricks falling from the historic Liberty Building, hitting a pedestrian on Court Street.
Emergency crews responded to reports of falling debris at the Liberty Building near Court Street and Pearl Street just after 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
The incident has raised concerns about the structural integrity of the 100-year-old downtown landmark.
I spoke with witnesses who were on the scene when the bricks fell about 13 stories onto the sidewalk below.
Ernest Ursini and his wife and Buffalo native Desiree, were visiting Buffalo from Connecticut, exploring the city's architectural treasures, when they heard what they initially thought was a dump truck.
"On the way there from City Hall, we heard a loud noise which I thought was a dump truck slamming its gate, but in actuality, it was a section of the building falling off and falling into a dumpster next to the building," Ursini said.
As they approached Court Street, the couple noticed emergency vehicles and people looking upward.
"So, of course, we started looking up," Ursini said. "Not sure what we were looking for until we came around the building and saw the police presence and an injured male."
Remarkably, the man who was struck in the head by the falling debris appeared to be in good spirits afterward. Ursini captured a photo showing the man smiling despite the close call.
WATCH: Bricks fall 13 stories from Buffalo's Liberty Building and strike pedestrian in head
"I said, 'Brother, you better go to church today. That's for sure,'" Ursini said.
Alex Ciepiela, who works on the 7th floor of the Liberty Building, was inside when the bricks fell.
"We were in our conference room, just getting some work done, and heard a noise like something crashed onto the ground," Ciepiela said. "I wasn't quite sure what it was, and then eventually looked outside and we saw the fire trucks lining up. I hope that they are OK, first and foremost, but it's a very serious situation with not only the integrity of the building itself, but the people below it."
The Liberty Building, which turns 100 this year, is a notable landmark in Buffalo's architectural landscape. Following the incident, authorities blocked off a stretch of Pearl Street while they investigated.
Ursini, who showed me debris still scattered in the area, believes more precautions are needed.
"I would corner off that whole building," Ursini said. "That whole sidewalk, until it's been inspected, because if that piece fell, there are going to be more."
Main Place Liberty Group released the following statement:
“We are very thankful no one was seriously hurt. Safety is one of our top priorities and we consistently take preventive measures to ensure the safety and security of the building both inside and out. Thanks to the Buffalo Police and Buffalo Fire Departments for their efforts this afternoon. We are in the process of securing the area in question and evaluating the building facade with our experts to determine if additional measures are necessary.”
I reached out to the City of Buffalo's Commissioner of Permit & Inspection Services (DPIS) for more information on the building and its last inspection, but have not yet received a response.
UPDATE:
This is what the missing pieces looked like on August 3:
The City of Buffalo's DPIS Commissioner Catherine Amdur responded to my request for a statement on September 8 with the following:
The loose masonry that fell from the Liberty Building in late July has been stabilized. The owner obtained a permit, contracted with an engineer who designed a stabilization plan, and the building was inspected by the city’s Department of Permits and Inspections Services to verify that the work was done properly. The owner is in the process of having a masonry report done for the exterior and city inspectors continue to monitor the building.
Catherine Amdur, P.E.
Department of Permit & Inspection Services Commissioner
