CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (WSIL) --Â Authorities responded to the scene of a trash truck crash into an apartment building in Cape Girardeau on Friday morning.
The Cape Girardeau Fire Department said the driver of the Waste Connections commercial trash truck was trapped inside after the truck struck the building.
The Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded to the scene at The District At Cape apartment complex, just before 7 a.m. The initial response included one engine, one ladder, and a Battalion Chief.
Upon arrival, fire crews said the extent of the incident prompted an upgrade to a first alarm assignment and the activation of the Region E Homeland Security Response Team for structural collapse and extrication assistance.
A fire spokesman said crews on scene performed primary and secondary searches of the apartment building and all occupants were confirmed out of the structure.
The truck caused significant damage to the wall and items inside 1st and 2nd floor apartment units.
Tow trucks were also called to help remove the truck from the building, allowing rescue crews to extricate the trapped driver.
The Cape Girardeau Fire Chief Randy Morris stated the driver was deceased. The driver's name is being withheld pending family notification.
Morris said the apartment building is currently uninhabitable and will require significant repairs. Property management is collaborating with city inspectors about repairs and ensure safety of the structure.
The Cape Girardeau Fire Department expressed gratitude to agencies assisting at the scene, including JSH Towing, Midwest Towing, and several local fire departments.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
