22-Year-Old Woman Pulled Alive from Rubble in Sioux Falls Building Collapse

Sioux Falls Fire Department(SIOUX FALLS, S.D.) — A 22-year-old woman was pulled alive from the rubble of a building that collapsed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, according to local reports.

Around 10:30 a.m. local time, the Sioux Falls Fire Department posted a photo showing the collapsed building, saying firefighters were working “as rapidly and safely as possible” to locate two people trapped in the debris.

Three hours later, firefighters rescued the woman from the pile of rubble, ABC News affiliate KSFY-TV reported. The woman was wearing only a T-shirt as temperatures hovered around 32 degrees, but authorities said she was doing well, according to KSFY-TV.

After finding the woman, firefighters announced on Twitter that they were continuing to search for the second victim. The woman was an occupant of the building, while the second victim is a construction worker, KSFY-TV reported. 

Rescue efforts need to be methodical, as there are additional structural issues. Safety for rescuers and the public is top priority.

— Sioux Falls Fire (@SiouxFallsFire) December 2, 2016

The fire department said the building collapsed due to a construction-related incident and that the structure was still at risk. Power was shut down in the downtown area where the building was located. A photo posted to Twitter showed the firefighter carrying a husky that was pulled out of the rubble. The dog was rescued minutes before the woman was found, police said. 

pic.twitter.com/pZIucXMTWH

— Sioux Falls Fire (@SiouxFallsFire) December 2, 2016

The building had been vacant since September and was slated to reopen as a drug store next spring, KSFY-TV reported.

Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

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