Officials say engine vibration might have caused facade slip
By Lee Williams
Published in News on May 13, 2007 2:02 AM
Building and maintenance crews were left scrambling as a piece of fiberglass paneling from the Wayne County Courthouse's clock tower came crashing to the ground Friday as jets zipped through the sky in preparation for Saturday's Wings Over Wayne air show.
A woman had just walked by and opened the courthouse door to the William Street entrance when a piece from the roof area slammed to the ground at about 11:15 a.m., a courthouse security guard said.
Other pieces were shaken loose, but did not fall.
"Fiberglass panels that are on the side of the clock tower fell," an official said. "Due to the vibration of the jets, a piece fell off of it."
A building and maintenance official said no one was hurt by the falling material, but added the William Street entrance will be closed off until the repairs to the 12-year-old courthouse facade are made.
The closure could mean long lines at the security checkpoint stand, so residents who have to conduct business at the courthouse should allow for extra time until the repairs are completed.
A contractor was slated to inspect the damage and make repairs on Saturday. However, officials were uncertain if the repairs would be made in time for business Monday.
Visitors will have to use the Ormond Avenue entrance located off Walnut Street to enter the courthouse until further notice, officials said.