Whiteman responds to Clinton, Mo building collapse

  • Published
  • 509th Bomb Wing
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo --  Whiteman Air Force Base sent 12 fire and rescue specialists about 28 miles south of the base to provide support for recovery operation for a building that collapsed Monday in the town's square.

It was a response to a state-wide request for mutual aid in Clinton, Mo.

The base sent Airmen, trained in rescuing people trapped in confined spaces, as well as a hazardous material vehicle and a trailer equipped with ropes, harnesses and protection equipment. "We were there to assist state and local officials spearheading rescue operation," said Senior Master Sgt. Dean Turner, Whiteman Air Force Base's deputy fire chief.

Rescuers jointly saved nine people trapped in the rubble of the three-story building that partially collapsed during an Elks Club dinner. The club's leader was found dead early Tuesday morning, about 12 hours after the roof fell in, Sergeant Turner said. "Our Airmen were on scene providing direct support to the initial responders and were later asked to crawl through the building's rubble and assist in finding the trapped people," he added.

About 200 emergency personnel worked outside the aging clothing store building, sandwiched between a law firm and pharmacy on the town's main street. In addition to Whiteman's specialized rescue team, crane operators and an urban search-and-rescue team joined the effort. Rescuers used camera and sound devices and canine rescue dogs to locate those trapped inside.

The nine survivors were trapped for several hours as rescuers tried to shore up the brick building to prevent further collapse. The first was slowly removed shortly after midnight, and the last was carried out about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. About 50 people had been on the second floor of the building for an Elks initiation dinner when the roof suddenly tipped onto the third floor, which then collapsed onto the diners below around 7:30 p.m. Monday, Clinton officials said. Most managed to escape with minor injuries, but 10 people were trapped as the floor below them began to give way.

"Our hearts go out to our neighbors in Clinton," said Col. Greg Biscone, 509th Bomb Wing commander. "This was a tragic accident and during tough times people and communities come together to support one another. I'm glad our Airmen could lend a hand with rescue and recovery operations."