ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE: The family has started a GoFundMe page to help with damage costs.
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Emergency crews are responding to a landslide that displaced a family of three in Roanoke County on Friday morning.
Firefighters responded to a report of a building collapse around 4:45 a.m. It happened in the 4300 block of Toddsbury Drive in the Vinton area.
The home completely moved off its foundation and collapsed while a family of three was inside and asleep at the time. They managed to escape unharmed, although their cat is missing.
Officials say that the landslide was caused by some excavation being done behind the house. They do not believe any other homes are in danger.
With the rain moving in, firefighters are trying to make sure that the hill isn't going to slide even more. Aside from minor movement at the back of the property, firefighters are fairly certain there won't be any more sliding. A county engineer is assessing the situation.
The gas company is on site turning off the gas and checking readings inside the house to make sure the gas has all cleared.
Brian Clingenpeel, community outreach coordinator for Roanoke County Fire and Rescue, says the family is very lucky.
"The homeowners are talking about how fortunate they are, that this could have been a whole lot worse," Clingenpeel said. "They actually mentioned that they kind of climbed out where a brick wall used to be. They're very fortunate."
The displaced family will stay with nearby relatives.
Tommy FiGart, is the Pastor of Grace Family Church. They are tryng to raise $500,000 to also help the family.
People can give here: https://www.gfcva.com/trettner