Rhinebeck, NY - At approximately 2:30 P.M. on Wednesday, March 15th, the Rhinebeck Fire Department was dispatched to Williams Lumber at 6760 Route 9, for a roof collapse, with one individual reportedly pinned under the collapse.

Upon arrival, it was determined that all employees and customers had safely evacuated the building, including the person who was reported as being pinned. A member of the Rhinebeck Fire Department, Firefighter Bill Vickery, was shopping in the store at the time of the incident and assisted in the safe evacuation.

Central Hudson was notified to respond and shut off electric service to the building. The Rhinebeck Building Inspector was also requested to the scene. The store was closed and would remain so for an undetermined period.

The section of the roof collapse was approximately 125' by 30'. It is believed that the cause of the collapse was from the excessive snow load placed on the roof from the prior day's snowstorm. Assisting on scene was the Dutchess County Sheriff's patrol.