A Milford home had to be demolished after an accident while raising the home for repairs caused the structure to become unsafe, according to Milford fire officials.
Fire officials said the home was being raised for repairs like many others following the devastation from powerful storms like Sandy and Irene.
“As they were raising the house itself something went awry and the house shifted, came off of the supporting mechanisms that were lifting it into place and was suspended in the air, although in a very precarious position and unstable position,” explained Milford Fire Battalion Chief Anthony Fabrizi.
A worker injured his wrist during the incident and was taken to Milford Hospital for treatment. Fire officials said the injuries did not appear severe.
Emergency crews, OSHA, and the city of Milford building officials were called to the scene and determined the best option was to demolish the home. Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution before the home was pulled down.
“If the house shifted a little too far one way it had the potential to actually make contact with one of the other homes,” Fabrizi said.
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Dramatic video shows the moment the home was taken down.
Fabrizi said the homeowners had been about three weeks away from moving back into the home.
Coleman Harbor lives in the area and knows the family.
“I know the people. I was very sorry for their loss and disruption of dreams," he said.
OSHA and the Milford building official are expected to investigate what went wrong.
