D.C. officials say they have ceased a rescue operation aimed at freeing a trapped construction worker after a two-story row home collapsed in Northwest on Monday.

According to D.C. Fire and EMS, emergency crews were dispatched at 9:36 a.m. to a 2-story row home undergoing renovations in the 1100 block of V Street NW. At the time, officials told WTOP one construction worker was trapped beneath the home and that rescue operations were underway.

By noon, D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency deputy chief Danny McCoy said this was a "significant collapse" and the residence is not in a good enough condition for first responders to continue their rescue operations safely.

"Right now we're working with the department of buildings and a contractor to come up with a plan to stabilize the building so it's safe to continue operations," McCoy said.

The building previously held a permit for demolition when the collapse occurred and, as of 12:30 p.m., the unidentified trapped worker remained inside the building.

"I can tell you it is placarded for work but cannot speak on the work," McCoy told reporters.

McCoy also said the row home is joined to an occupied two-story rowhouse. Residents living in the adjoined home were not in the building, according to McCoy. Given the nature of the collapse, it isn't clear that neighbors in the attached row home will be able to return to their home.

WTOP's Heather Gustafson reported portions of V Street remained blocked off while emergency crews continue work in the area.

"I'd say the 1100 block of V will be shut down for an extended period. ... If you could avoid the 1100 block of V Street that would be recommended," McCoy said.

Officials said they know very little about why the building collapsed and that they have seen no signs of fire. McCoy said he could only confirm the century-old row home was being renovated -- construction teams were in a transition period between demolition (or raising) and construction when the incident occurred.

McCoy was asked if there was a risk to other homeowners given ongoing construction and renovations to aging homes in the region.

"I would say that the city is always growing. Row houses are sought after, right, and they're renovated often," McCoy said. "We don't see that often, but it is a common occurrence for this age of building when there is construction."

Before the press conference the department initially said it was "proceeding with extreme caution due to precarious condition of structure," according to a statement posted to X, adding that the "adjacent attached row may be compromised."

More updates are expected from D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly Sr. and D.C. Department of Buildings Director Brian Hanlon during press conference Monday afternoon.

This latest building collapse comes just one week after a vacant three-story building near the intersection of 11th and M streets in Northwest D.C. fell, scattering bricks along the sidewalk. At the time, fire officials said there were no reported injuries and that a collapse zone had been created around the building.

This is a developing story. Stay with WTOP for the latest.

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