A CVS in South Philadelphia was evacuated Friday night after a police officer noticed a large crack in a pillar outside the store as well as a significant depression in the parking lot.
Employees and customers were forced from the store at 1001 South Washington Avenue around 7:30 p.m. after Philadelphia Police Officer Christopher Grandison noticed the crack and notified Licenses and Inspections.
"This is my first time seeing that [crack] and I don't like the way it looks, so we're closing the store," said an L&I inspector at the scene.
PGW, PECO and the water company were called in to shut off service to the building.
The crack was first discovered five weeks ago, but has gotten significantly worse in the past few days, said store employees.
A contractor for CVS inspected the building and says he doesn't believe there is structural damage. L&I is still investigating. They say they will keep the South Philly store closed until they know for sure the building is safe.
