Nighttime Rockslide Spells Trouble for Yonkers Business

A business in Yonkers faced a sudden and unexpected challenge when a massive rockslide occurred. The event took place in the early hours of a Monday morning, before the sun had even risen. The rockslide sent a large boulder crashing into a building, causing part of it to crumble. The building in question was Peterson Tool Rental, a family-owned business that has been operating since 1953. The impact was significant, damaging a two-story structure. Fortunately, no one was hurt because the incident happened when the building was empty. If the rockslide had occurred during the day, the outcome could have been much worse. The area that collapsed was usually bustling with workers. The boulder not only damaged the building but also caused some environmental concerns. It hit a 500-gallon heating oil tank, leading to a fuel leak. This prompted a hazmat response to prevent the fuel from contaminating nearby storm drains. Crews quickly sprang into action to clean up the spill and secure the area. The cause of the rockslide was identified as a mudslide, triggered by recent rainfall. The rain had weakened the stability of a nearby rock wall, causing a large boulder to break loose and roll down into the building. This natural event highlights the power of weather and the importance of being prepared for such occurrences. The damage to the building was extensive, with some parts completely destroyed. The entire structure has been condemned, and it will need a thorough evaluation by a structural engineer before any decisions can be made about its future. For now, the focus is on removing debris and assessing the extent of the damage. This incident serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change. One moment, a business is operating as usual, and the next, it's facing significant challenges. It also underscores the importance of safety measures and emergency preparedness. Businesses and communities need to be ready for unexpected events, whether they are natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances.