Inspection planned for center where ceiling collapse occurred

Structural engineers are being brought in to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the DCCCA Women’s Recovery Center on West May after a ceiling collapse that injured 10 people during a group meeting Wednesday night.

Nine people were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment, DCCCA spokeswoman Chrissy Mayer said in a statement. A 10th person later asked to be taken to the hospital.

Nine of the victims were treated and released, while one remained hospitalized Thursday.

Wichita Fire Battalion Chief Tom Carney said water had leaked through the roof and accumulated enough to cause a 15-by-30-foot section of the plaster to collapse through the drop-down ceiling into the room below.

“That’s bigger than the average living room,” Carney said.

As many as 25 people were in the room at the time of the ceiling collapse, shortly after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

First responders and DCCCA staff determined Wednesday night that the building was secure and restricted access to the damaged area, Mayer said. Staff members were assessing the rest of the building on Thursday.

“This was probably due to all the rains we’ve had,” police Lt. James Espinoza said.

Wichita has logged nearly 4 inches of rain so far this month, more than double the normal amount. The 3.81 inches of this month includes nearly an inch on Wednesday alone, said Jaclyn Ritzman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Treatment services at the center near Seneca and Harry continued on a normal schedule Thursday, Mayer said.

According to its website, the Women’s Recovery Center offers services to help women struggling with substance addiction. It provides temporary housing for women as they receive treatment, according to the website.

This story was originally published May 14, 2015 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Inspection planned for center where ceiling collapse occurred."