Cracks before collapse

UPDATE: 2:50 p.m.

The City of Kelowna says they're reviewing the scene of the collapsed retaining wall in Black Mountain Wednesday. 

"The city is reviewing what happened on this private property, but will need a few days to assess the damage," the city said in a statement.

"We will report out when we have a better idea of the cause of the failure and the intentions of the property with respect to cleanup. It’s too soon for us to provide any helpful information on the situation today."

Crews have been on scene all afternoon assessing damage. Caution tape remains around the majority of the wall along Samurai Court.

UPDATE: noon

The collapse of a retaining wall near Black Mountain could have been prevented according to a resident in the neighbourhood. 

"About a month ago I called the inspectors to look at the wall because there were cracks," the neighbour, who requested anonymity, said. "They said it was perfect, there was not a problem with the wall."

The two homes on top of the wall have been forced to evacuate, according to neighbours.

"One is going to Vancouver and I don't know about the other homes."

Residents are concerned about additional damage. 

"We are worried that if the house shifts and collapses itself we might have to be evacuated out," a resident on Samurai Court said.

City of Kelowna crews are currently on scene assessing the damage and RCMP are patrolling the area to ensure safety.

ORIGINAL: 6:58 a.m.

Residents on Samurai Court near Black Mountain woke up to a loud noise just after 6 a.m.  Wednesday morning.

On further inspection, a retaining wall appears to have collapsed leaving one property spilled onto the road.

A caller to the Castanet newsroom says, "I heard a loud boom and thought it might be construction but turns out a 4 tiered retaining wall has collapsed."

We will have more on this story as details become available.