EXCLUSIVE: Drone Pilot Gets Up Close To Collapsed Apartment In Davenport

People still want answers to many questions about the apartment building that partially collapsed in downtown Davenport around 5 p.m. on Sunday. Due to the building's unstable condition, no one is allowed in the building and it's become extremely dangerous for rescue cues to even enter the building.

The building's condition is so dangerous, several businesses surrounding "The Davenport" have closed until it is safe to reopen. Roads surrounding the apartment building are also closed for the public's safety.

One device that can get up close to the building and the rubble around the apartment at 324 Main Street in Davenport is a drone.

Done Pilot Gets A Close Look At Collapsed Davenport Apartment

Experienced drone pilot Randy Heggen launched his drone about 4 blocks away from the scene Tuesday morning to get close to the wreckage. You can see in the video the pile of rubble in the parking lot of "The Davenport" and the portion that collapsed

As Randy gets closer to the building, you can see the belongings of residents still on hangers, on shelves, and scattered.

Randy flew his drone over 4th street in front of Davenport City Hall where you can see several protestors, Davenport police, and the fence blocking people from getting too close to the building.

Thanks to Randy for sending it to us and uploading it on YouTube. We continue to keep those impacted by this tragedy in our hearts and prayers.

Davenport Officials Give Update Tuesday Morning

On Tuesday, officials with the City of Davenport, Davenport Police Department, Davenport Fire Department, and others gave an update about the apartment building that partially collapsed Sunday evening. 5 people remain unaccounted for but most likely two people are still inside the apartment building known as "The Davenport".

The two people most likely inside include Branden Colvin and Ryan Hitchcock. Amy Anderson, a family member of Ryan Hitchcock, spoke during the press conference and pleaded with the community to show support, love, and pray for those still unaccounted for, including Ryan.

Davenport Fire Department Transitions To Recovery Operation

The Davenport Fire Department has transitioned to a recovery operation at 324 Main Street and turned control of the site over to the Davenport Development and Neighborhood Services Department.

The owner of the property has been served with a notice and order for demolition of the property. The property is currently being secured by a contractor on site this afternoon and demolition is expected to commence in the morning.

Due to the unstable condition of the property, and in the interest of public safety, residents will not be allowed back into the building.

Our news partner, KWQC, gives details on how people displaced by the building collapse can get assistance:

• Red Cross, 1-800-REDCROSS
• Salvation Army, 100 Kirkwood Blvd., 563-324-4808. It is open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday this week.

The Quad Cities Community Foundation has opened the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund to assist residents who have been displaced. Donations can be made on their website.

For community members who want to make donations in another way can do so through the Davenport Salvation Army. Donations may be dropped off at 4001 N. Brady Street.

Davenport Apartment Building Partially Collapse

On Sunday, May 28 at 4:55 p.m. officials received calls of a partial building collapse in downtown Davenport.

The six-story apartment complex at 324 Main St known as "The Davenport" partially collapsed and separated from the rest of the building.

At this time, no deaths have been reported according to Fire Chief Mike Carlsten but at least one person was "extracted" and taken to the hospital. On Monday, one woman was rescued from the building by the Davenport Fire Department.

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K9 units and rescue teams have been working nonstop in what Carlsten says is the "rescue phase of our operation.".  However, he also stated it would "soon become a recovery operation".

A reunification area was established at St. Anthony’s Church, 417 N. Main St.

Cause of the collapse

At this point, officials are not stating what may have caused the collapse.

Our news partner KWQC spoke with Rich Oswald, director of development and neighborhood services, who said the owner of the building had permits to make repairs to the exterior brick prior to the collapse.

He added that reports of bricks falling from the building earlier this week was part of that work.

Stay with our news partner KWQC for the latest on this developing situation.