Retaining Wall Collapses in NYC

A 150-foot section of a 600-foot retaining wall collapsed onto the Henry Hudson Parkway in New York City, sending officials and residents into a frenzy.

A massive mound of dirt, rocks, trees and debris cascaded down onto one of the main north south routes out of New York City, just before rush hour. Just after 4p.m. as thousands of motorists were starting their drive home, the wall gave way, blocking the six-lane highway and burying parked cars, but causing no injuries. The retaining wall, originally built 97 years ago, is privately owned. The residents of the building right on top of the wall said they'd been concerned about a suspicious bulge and their contracted engineers were set to meet with the Department of transportation to discuss the problem the following day. However, the city maintains that it's not their responsibility. The early hypothesis is that water damage caused the collapse, but a full investigation will have to wait until the debris is fully cleared.