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.
Mitchell says Third Street will be closed between Main and Robinson at least through the weekend and maybe longer. 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.
Mitchell says the building will most likely need to be torn down.