A Target store in Barboursville, West Virginia, has been closed “for an extended period of time” after a slide down a hillside caused part of the store to collapse.
According to local media Eyewitness News, the store closed on February 2 when the hill first collapsed, and the company hired structural engineers and utility workers to investigate broken water and sewer pipes on the property. He said he called a member of staff. But more slips overnight caused major damage Wednesday morning.
The cause of the move is still under investigation, but Target told Eyewitness News the store is expected to be closed “for an extended period of time.” Target did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.
Limited water supply
Barboursville Mayor Chris Tatum told WSAZ last week that other businesses in the plaza remain open and there does not appear to be any danger.
But Eyewitness News says water supply to the area is limited as authorities investigate the hill where it fell, disrupting other businesses in the area. A spokesperson for West Virginia American Water told local media that the first slip on February 2 damaged a water main. For the convenience of nearby businesses and customers, a portable toilet has been installed nearby.
Tatum said before Wednesday's slip, three homes behind the Target store received voluntary evacuation notices from Target. According to the mayor, the company has also offered to cover the relocation costs for the residents of these homes.
Tatum added that the road around and behind the building also suffered significant damage.
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The back of the store is scheduled to be demolished
Barboursville Police Chief Darren McNeil told Eyewitness News Thursday that Target plans to demolish the back portion of the store.
It has not been announced at this time when the building will be demolished or when the store will reopen. Chief McNeil could not be reached for comment on the situation.
Tatum said in Wednesday's update that outsiders are “invading the neighborhood” and that Target is “trying to keep people safe.”
“Law enforcement is eager to provide additional patrols, but we ask that these individuals be given privacy and construction teams given room to work,” Tatum wrote on Facebook. “The safety of everyone affected is our primary concern.”
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on platform SheX, formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.
