Retaining wall collapse in Gaithersburg forces evacuation of two homes — Gazette.Net

Dan Gross/The Gazette

John Lamir of Lamir Landscaping in Darnestown takes a picture of the partial wall collapse along Quince Orchard Road in Gaithersburg. Lamir said he will use the picture as an example for clients of how to not build a retaining wall.

This story was updated at 12:30 p.m., April 1, 2014.

Two homeowners had to evacuate their homes after a retaining wall just steps from their properties gave way along Quince Orchard Road Sunday.

No one was injured when the retaining wall collapsed about 4:20 p.m., but two homes have been evacuated and the northbound lanes between Hillstone Road and Pawnee Drive were closed. Montgomery County police spokeswoman Cpl. Rebecca Innocenti said Monday the road could be closed for a few days.

The road was still shut down as of Tuesday morning, police spokeswoman Angela Cruz said.

A State Highway Administration surveyor Monday morning was assessing the damage to the wall. Gaithersburg City manager Tony Tomasello said the wall is owned by the Kentlands Community Association and is made of hundreds of concrete blocks, each weighing 200 pounds. Two townhouses at the end of the 100 block of Ridgepoint Place in the Kentlands community have been condemned by the city, according to a notice posted on the homes.

Tomasello said its unclear when residents will be able to move back into the homes.

Its still early in the process, Tomasello said Tuesday.

Carmela and Lyndon Thurner, who live at 112 Ridgepoint Place, were forced from their home and are now living in a nearby hotel with their two dogs.

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Retaining wall collapse in Gaithersburg forces evacuation of two homes -- Gazette.Net