JONESBORO, Ark. — A portion of South Main Street in downtown Jonesboro was temporarily closed Friday afternoon after part of a two-story building’s front column separated and fell onto the sidewalk.

The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. at 219 S. Main St., according to a statement from the City of Jonesboro. While the fallen debris was described as neither large nor extensive, the building’s occupants were evacuated as a precaution pending an evaluation by structural engineers.

Initial assessments indicate that stabilization work, a routine process for older masonry buildings, will likely resolve the issue. City officials do not anticipate the closure to be long-term, though a specific timeline for repairs has not yet been determined.

The affected section of South Main Street has been closed to vehicle traffic from Huntington Avenue to Cate Avenue. Pedestrian access is still allowed in the area, as long as individuals avoid crossing safety tape surrounding the site.

The City of Jonesboro stated it will provide updates as more information becomes available.