DAVENPORT, Iowa — An apartment building called "The Davenport" on 324 Main Street has partially collapsed.
First responders responded to the first reports of the collapse at 4:55 p.m. on Sunday, May 28.
At least six stories caved in on the west side of the building facing the parking lot, with some apartment rooms completely destroyed.
News 8 photojournalist Linnea Hoover lives in the building and was home when the collapse happened, describing the feeling as similar to an earthquake.
Emergency response is on the scene, with several points blocked off on Harrison and Main Street.
Davenport Mayor Mike Matson and first responders spoke at an 8:00 p.m. press conference on Sunday.
"Multiple agencies responded with the sole purpose of finding people and getting them out of the building," Matson said. "There are some people unaccounted for, but we're continuing to locate them and search."
Davenport Fire Chief Mike Carlsten said crews found a large natural gas leak and water leaking from all floors, but that utility companies have cut off gas and water to the structure for responders to assist people.
"Fire crews were able to rescue seven individuals on their initial response and escort a dozen as they self-evacuated from the building," he said, adding that teams will continue to work through the night, and that the MABAS 43 team is being called in to assist, which specializes in tactical rescue.
Rich Oswald, development and neighborhood services director for the City of Davenport spoke on the building's known condition leading up to the collapse.
"Currently, the building owner did have permits to make exterior wall repairs under the direction of their hired engineer," Oswald said.
It is currently unclear what caused the collapse, and if there are any injuries or deaths.
The public is asked to avoid the downtown area.
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, located at 417 N Main St. in Davenport, is serving as a reunification point, with the Red Cross and medics at the location to assist.
This is breaking news and News 8 will continue to update it as new details come in.