JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The residents of building No. 1 at the Point Meadows Place Condominiums on the Southside were forced out of their homes on Monday after the structure's roof collapsed.
Worried residents stood by and watched as rescuers went floor by floor in search of anyone who might be trapped inside the condo complex.
"I heard this really loud noise. It sounded like my building was caving in," said resident Tammy Hacket.
She said she was sitting in her second-floor unit when the collapse happened.
"We went to the fourth floor to check and the entire hallway is gone," Hacket said. "You could see the wires hanging, and when you go up to the fourth floor you can see the sky."
Firefighters who were able to get a look said the hole in the roof is 15 feet wide and 30 feet long.
Investigators said they were not sure what caused the collapse, but they said damage from a hail storm in June and a lot rain from Tropical Storm Fay might be to blame.
Roofers had been at the complex on Monday to shingling the roof.
"What we're thinking is that the weight of the water coupled with the shingles caused the entire upper level in the center hallways to just cave in," Hacket said.
"Mother Nature certainly had a hand in creating this scenario," said Jacksonville Fire Rescue spokesman Tom Francis.
The Red Cross responded to the collapse and was working with residents who may not have a place to stay.
The building affected is four stories tall, and each floor has 10 units. Investigators said it was not clear when owners would be allowed in the building.
Fire rescue crews said that fortunately, no one was hurt in the roof collapse. The collapse did, however, trap several pets.
When condo owners returned home and saw what had happened, they asked the firefighters to rescue their animals.
Five dogs and three cats were rescued from building. Firefighters said they would also go into the building to get resident's medications and other necessities.
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