Home collapse causes safety concerns about construction and renovation

PHILADELPHIA (FOX 29) - The lot in Olde Richmond where a Philadelphia family's home used to stand for decades now contains a large pile of rubble after unpermitted digging in the basement next door compromised the integrity of the home.

"Nobody wants to see their house get torn down with furniture and belongings in it, it's a terrible thing," said Jim Hopp.

2622 Tulip Street was declared imminently dangerous by Philadelphia's Licenses and Inspections Tuesday after they say Wharton Homes LLC weakened the foundation. The home was forced to be demolished after it started to collapse.

As a result, Licenses and Inspections have issued a citation to Wharton Homes LLC. The case has been sent to the DA.

"We need to set an example for some of these guys," said Mayor Kenney.

The mayor is defending Licenses and Inspections and says new inspectors and training were instituted to prevent situations like this.

The Tulip Street collapse is the latest in a series of collapses, including on East Thompson Street which forced an elderly woman out of her home before it had to be knocked down.