GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Anne Arundel County officials have announced the establishment of a 150-foot safety perimeter around Empire Towers after a structural integrity issue was reported on Thursday.
Emergency responders from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department were dispatched to the 7300 block of Ritchie Highway at approximately 2:30 p.m. to address the situation.
At the scene, it was determined that the parking garage beneath Empire Towers had been compromised during ongoing construction work. As a precaution, more than 100 individuals were evacuated from the building, though no injuries have been reported.
The Fire Department has confirmed via social media that the building has not collapsed, but it has been deemed unsafe for public access.
In conjunction with the safety measures, the Maryland State Highway Administration has implemented a partial lane reduction on southbound Route 2. This adjustment is intended to maintain one open lane while ensuring the safety perimeter remains intact. The road closure has been updated to affect both Crain Highway and southbound Ritchie Highway, with detours advised via 8th Avenue and Route 648.
County Executive Steuart Pittman's office has encouraged affected business owners to reach out to the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation for support. Real-time updates regarding the situation will be provided as they become available.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).
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