West Virginia Floods Cause Building Collapse, Leave Five Dead

Intense flash flooding triggered by torrential rainfall caused significant damage in West Virginia, including the partial collapse of an apartment building, according to authorities and verified video footage. The severe weather event, which began on June 14th, has resulted in five fatalities, with at least four individuals reported missing.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency on June 15th in response to the crisis. The National Weather Service has indicated that a flood watch remains active, with further heavy rainfall anticipated across much of the state through June 17th.

Video evidence obtained by Storyful documented the partial collapse of an apartment complex in Fairmont, located approximately 20 miles south of Morgantown, during the extreme weather. The footage, captured by Colyn Jones on June 15th, shows substantial debris piled outside the building. The structure suffered extensive damage, with much of its exterior wall torn away, leaving several apartment interiors exposed to the elements.

Local media outlets WBOY and WDTV reported that residents of the affected building were safely evacuated and relocated to an emergency shelter. Initial reports indicated no injuries resulting directly from the building collapse. Witness Colyn Jones described to Storyful hearing screams from the building and observing water pouring out from ground-floor windows and the roof.

Governor Morrisey confirmed in a statement that emergency personnel were deployed to the scene. He urged residents to exercise extreme caution: "Please stay off the roads," he advised. "Do not underestimate the strength and speed of these floods."

The situation continues to develop as authorities manage the aftermath and ongoing weather threats.