Structural failure has been blamed for the partial collapse of a building in Knoxville Saturday afternoon.

A hole, estimated to be 3’ high by 8’ wide, could be seen at the base of the building at 113 and 115 Third Street on the Knoxville Square. Bystanders called the city and flagged down a Knoxville Fire and Rescue vehicle to notify them of the blowout.
The building was being used to hold some items for Marion County.
Knoxville Fire Chief Jim Mitchell says store fronts on both sides of the building were evacuated as a precaution. He says there was noticeable bowing in the wall and there was fear of further collapse.
In an emergency session Sunday, the Marion County Board of Supervisors gave the County Maintenance Department permission to hire a contractor to have the building demolished as soon as possible.
Third Street will continue be closed between Main and Robinson until the demolition of the building is completed. Sidewalk traffic along Third Street will also be limited.
Knoxville Fire and Rescue, Knoxville Police Department, Marion County Maintenance, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Alliant Energy, Mid-American Energy, and officials from both the city of Knoxville and Marion County all responded to the call.