BRADENTON, Fla. — A structural collapse at a Bradenton nursing home forced the evacuation of 157 residents Saturday.
On Monday, the City of Bradenton and Manatee County released a joint statement regarding the evacuation at the Aviata at Bradenton Villas facility. The statement said in part:
"We understand there remain many questions surrounding the emergency evacuation of residents from the Aviata at Bradenton Villas facility following the partial roof collapse Saturday night. The emergency relocation of residents was facilitated through a coordinated response involving the City of Bradenton Fire Department, Manatee County Public Safety and Emergency Medical Services, and multiple regional partners. Manatee County’s role focused on coordinating the safe transportation and relocation of residents and helping mobilize the resources necessary to safely complete that effort."
Read the full statement below:
Joint Statement Aviata Incident by Tampa Bay 28
Manatee County Public Safety and Emergency Medical Services, along with the Bradenton Fire Department, responded to Aviata at Bradenton Villas at roughly 6 p.m. after part of the facility suffered a significant roof collapse.
By around 3 a.m., all residents of the facility had been safely evacuated and relocated following the partial collapse, according to a Manatee County spokesperson.
In a statement posted to Facebook on Sunday, the facility said in part, "We recognize that this has been a difficult and emotional time for our residents, their loved ones and our dedicated team members. We are working around the clock to support every resident, maintain continuity of care, and communicate directly with families as relocation efforts continue."
The statement went on to say Aviata is "fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities," as the structural assessment and investigation continue.
Manatee County Public Safety coordinated the relocation efforts throughout the night, with help from multiple neighboring agencies, including the Bradenton Fire Department and the city of Bradenton.
Ambulances and accessible transportation resources from Manatee, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties were used to transport residents to sister facilities, according to officials.
"We are grateful to every first responder, healthcare partner, transportation provider and facility staff member who worked through the night to ensure residents were safely relocated," the spokesperson said in a statement.
WATCH: Crews respond after roof collapses at Bradenton nursing home
Preliminary information indicates the collapse may be related to water intrusion and termite damage.
At this time, no injuries have been reported, Manatee County officials said.
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