Potential building collapse closes stretch of Vancouver's Main Street during rush hour

Main Streetis closed northbound from Terminal Avenue to Prior Street due to a potential building collapse, Vancouver police said early Friday evening.

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS)saya number of bricks fell off the top of a structure between Prior and National streets onto the sidewalk below shortly after 4 p.m.

No one was inside the building and there are no reports of injuries.

Randy Boruck, battalion chief with Vancouver FireRescue Services,said there was the potential for injuries as debris fell on a bench that is often used by smokers from a nearby SRO and pub.

"Had there been people out there, foot traffic coming by, with the amount of debris, the height that it came down from, the volume and the weight of it, there could have been some injuries there, but thankfully not today," Borucksaid.

An inspector declared the building dangerous, says VFRS.Ateardown is expected to begin Friday evening and completed by Saturday morning.

Police said Fridaythe streetwill be shut down for many hours.