Aurora building partially collapses, closing downtown intersection

The Brief Scaffolding and part of a building's exterior brick wall collapsed onto a roadway in downtown Aurora Wednesday evening. Firefighters are evacuating the building as a precaution, and no injuries have been reported. A building on the same block experienced a partial collapse in August 2025, prompting evacuations of residents and businesses. AURORA, Ill. - Scaffolding and part of a brick building's exterior wall collapsed into a roadway in downtown Aurora Wednesday evening, prompting evacuations and road closures, according to the Aurora Police Department. Partial building collapse What we know: Aurora police and firefighters responded to the 100 block of East Galena Boulevard at approximately 6:37 p.m. after scaffolding and part of a brick building's exterior wall collapsed into the roadway. Image 1 of 2 ▼ Building collapse | Aurora Police Department Initial dispatch reports indicated that vehicles were beneath the debris. Firefighters are evacuating the building as a precaution while crews use a drone to assess the upper portion of the building. No injuries have been reported, and no one has needed emergency shelter at this time. What caused the collapse? What we don't know: The cause of the collapse has yet to be determined. Officials have not confirmed whether any vehicles were damaged by the falling debris. Facebook post unavailable Previous incident The backstory: This is not the first time falling bricks have prompted evacuations and road closures in the same area of downtown Aurora. In August 2025, police responded to reports of bricks falling from a building at 104 E. Galena Blvd. onto sidewalks and roadways. Residents of 102 and 104 E. Galena Blvd. were evacuated as a precaution, affecting 11 apartments and two businesses. The Red Cross and Victim Services assisted displaced residents. By the following afternoon, a structural engineer had deemed the building safe. Related article Aurora building deemed safe after residents evacuated for partial collapse Residents and businesses were evacuated from a downtown Aurora building Saturday evening after part of it partially collapsed, according to the Aurora Police and Fire Departments. Downtown road closures Dig deeper: The intersection of Broadway and Galena Boulevard remains closed in all four directions. Drivers should avoid the area and use an alternate route while crews remain on the scene. Officials said updates will be provided as they become available. The Source: The information in this report came from the Aurora Police Department and previous FOX Chicago reporting. Aurora News