CHARLOTTE, N.C. --
One person died shortly after a section of a parking deck collapsed at SouthPark Mall.
A vehicle hit the wall of the top level of the deck between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, causing the deck to partially collapse around 12:18 p.m., said Capt. Rob Brisley of the Charlotte Fire Department.
Eric Morrison, spokesman for MEDIC, said one woman died, but they do not know if it was from injuries sustained during the collapse.
Three ambulances responded to the scene, as well as the citys mass casualty unit. Firefighters searched the debris under the fallen portion of the deck but did not find anyone. Capt. Rob Brisley of the Charlotte Fire Department said two vehicles underneath were destroyed.
The collapse was limited to a small section of the parking deck, but the entire deck is closed. Engineers are checking the stability of the structure, built in 2004, to determine whether those parked in the nearly full deck will be able to remove their vehicles. They said it could be several hours to a day before they are allowed back on the deck.
Brisley said police, fire and medical personnel will be conducting a lengthy and thorough investigation.
We are going to make sure that the parking is safe, he said.
Emergency personnel have closed Fairview Road between Barclay Downs and Sharon Road for traffic control. You can find alternate routes on our traffic page.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said some buses may even have to be rerouted.
The mall remains open.
Did you witness the collapse or know someone who did? Contact Eyewitness News.
