Quality Inn & Suites Mattoon Il

Emergency responders are on scene at the Quality Inn & Suites in Mattoon, Illinois, following a confirmed structural collapse. The incident, reported early this morning, has resulted in multiple injuries and an ongoing search and rescue operation.

This article provides a concise overview of the developing situation at the Quality Inn & Suites, including confirmed details regarding the collapse, the emergency response, and the status of those affected, as well as a timeline of what is known so far.

The Collapse

The structural failure occurred at approximately 6:15 AM CST today, October 26, 2023. The collapse reportedly affected a section of the building housing multiple guest rooms.

Initial reports indicate that a significant portion of the second floor gave way, leading to the destabilization of the structure.

The exact cause of the collapse remains under investigation, but preliminary assessments suggest potential issues with the building's load-bearing capacity.

Emergency Response

Mattoon city police and fire departments were immediately dispatched to the scene. Mutual aid was requested, drawing in resources from surrounding communities to assist in the search and rescue efforts.

Specialized teams, including structural engineers and canine units, are present to aid in locating and extracting individuals trapped within the debris.

A temporary triage center has been established near the hotel to provide immediate medical care to the injured.

Casualties and Injuries

As of 10:00 AM CST, confirmed reports indicate that at least 10 individuals have been transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe.

Search and rescue teams are continuing to work to determine if any other individuals are still trapped in the collapsed portion of the hotel.

Authorities have not yet released the names or conditions of those injured, pending notification of next of kin.

Hotel Status and Occupancy

The Quality Inn & Suites is located at 501 Broadway Ave, Mattoon, IL. At the time of the collapse, the hotel was reportedly near full occupancy.

All uninjured guests have been evacuated and relocated to temporary shelters established by the city and local aid organizations.

The hotel is currently closed, and a safety perimeter has been established around the site to prevent unauthorized access.

Investigation

The Illinois State Fire Marshal and local building inspectors are on scene to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse.

The investigation will focus on assessing the structural integrity of the building, reviewing building plans, and examining any potential code violations.

Mayor Tim Governer has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and has vowed to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.

Community Impact

The collapse has had a significant impact on the Mattoon community. The local Red Cross is providing assistance to displaced guests and their families.

Area businesses and residents are rallying to offer support, providing food, water, and other essential resources to those affected.

The incident has prompted a wave of concern and support from across the state, with many offering prayers and assistance.

Statements

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker released a statement offering his support to the Mattoon community and pledging state resources to aid in the recovery efforts.

"My thoughts are with the individuals affected by the collapse at the Quality Inn & Suites in Mattoon. The state will provide all necessary support to ensure a swift and effective response," said Governor Pritzker.

Choice Hotels International, the parent company of Quality Inn & Suites, has released a statement expressing its concern and offering its full cooperation with the investigation.

Next Steps

Search and rescue operations will continue until all individuals are accounted for.

The investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

The city of Mattoon and partner organizations are working to provide ongoing support to those affected by the incident. A Family Resource Center has been setup at the Mattoon YMCA.