BELLEVUE, Wash — The landslide that put several homes and dozens of people at risk in Bellevue's Somerset neighborhood was "reminiscent of an earthquake scenario or severe weather event," the city's fire chief said Tuesday.
Fire Chief Jay Hagan said by the time first responders arrived during the early morning hours on Monday, more than 40 people were outside, trying to understand what was happening.
City officials said the investigation into the landslide that led to a home sliding off its foundation and collapsing continues.
There are two key ingredients that led up to the moment when a house slid off its foundation: a water main break and a landslide.
Emergency officials are trying to determine which one set everything in motion at the home located in the Somerset neighborhood. The collapse was first reported around 5:20 a.m.
The water main is what officials called "vintage," being built in the 1970s. Officials did not say Tuesday when the last time it was inspected. They did say all water mains are checked periodically throughout the city.
John and Barb Surdi, and their golden retriever escaped without injury from their home. Barb and the dog were rescued by police, while John said he was outside the house when it collapsed, but unable to reach his wife.
First responders on the scene said the area is unstable. Police said the house is sitting at about a 45-degree angle. That house needs to be partially demolished or stabilized before it's safe for nearby residents to return home.
Specialists, including soils and structural engineers from Olympia, were called to the scene to determine the stability of the house that collapsed and the surrounding homes.
BPD spokesperson Meeghan Black told KING 5 reverse 911 calls were made for people in the area to evacuate. Initially on Monday morning, 42 people and several pets were evacuated from 17 homes, according to BPD.
About 30 of these evacuees needed shelter, according to officials, and they will be allowed to stay at the South Bellevue Community center
“One of our first jobs is to make sure that we alert people about an impending hazard and get them to safety," said Fire Chief Jay Hagen.
Seven homes remain unsafe to return to, either because they are in the path of the collapsed home's remains or they cannot be accessed due to street conditions.
Crews were able to restore water, gas and power to all other homes in the neighborhood, and street access to SE 51st Place and 139th Avenue SE is open to homeowners and emergency vehicles, Bellevue police said.
People will be allowed to return to the remaining homes once the road is cleared of debris. Water, gas and power was restored to all but seven homes deemed unsafe.
Puget Sound Energy also responded to the scene and checked for a gas leak, which firefighters believe was possibly caused when the house slid from its foundation.
The BPD tweeted multiple photos showing a “large debris field” in the area.
In all, more than a dozen agencies responded to the scene.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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