At 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2011, a portion of the roof collapsed at the Golden Living Center on Scenic Highway in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The roof crashed down over the dining area where the construction crews were working on that section.
The contractors, workers, staff and residents were all accounted for and no one was reported as being hurt. The staff and residents were fortunate that the roof did not collapse later in the afternoon when people would be using the dining room for activities.
School buses, vans, and ambulances transported more than 100 residents that had to be evacuated to other Golden Living Centers in the Gwinnet county area. The residents had to be evacuated due to the structure damage and the utilities being cut, making it unsafe for residents to stay.
The Gwinnet Golden Living Senior Center provides a place for seniors to socialize and participate in a variety of activities. The residents receive skilled nursing long-term care, and also short-term care to help those who are recovering after an illness, injury or surgery.
City inspectors, firefighters and contractors are working together to assess the damage to the dining room and kitchen area of the buildings. The cause remains under investigation.
Family members can call the 24 hour information line at 800 926-5766 for information on their loved ones.
