Ceiling Collapses in Ridgewood Storefront

Updated at 6:45 p.m.

A drop ceiling constructed of wood and heavy plaster in a Ridgewood storefront collapsed late Tuesday afternoon, prompting a flurry of first responders to check for people who may have been trapped inside.

According to Ridgewood Fire Chief Jim Van Goor, at around 5:30 p.m., the drop ceiling collapsed at 25 Oak St., sending debris throughout the vacant storefront. Firefighters did not find anyone under the debris. No emergency responders were injured.

"It's very fortunate no one was inside when it came down," the fire chief said. "It could have been bad."

At this point, fire officials are still investigating what led to the collapse. The roof itself was not damaged. The structural integrity of the building is safe and the property owners have been notified of the incident, Van Goor said. Surrounding businesses were not damaged, fire officials said.

Earlier in the day, workers had been painting the space that once was occupied by Bernard's Sporting Goods. Bernard's (or "Village Sports") closed in 2011; a new tenant had recently signed a lease, officials told Patch.

Oak Street was closed from East Ridgewood Avenue to Franklin Avenue while police, fire and EMS workers assessed the damage. It opened to traffic at 6:45 p.m.