Firefighters and police are combing through debris after the roof of a historic Connecticut church collapsed into the building.
The roof of the Engaging Heaven Church in New London completely caved in and destroyed the building at 1.30pm today.
The Church confirmed on its Facebook page that while one person was inside the building at the time, no one was injured.
According to Mayor Michael Passero, the remaining building will also need to be demolished.
Officials are still trying to determine the cause of the collapse.
The roof of the Engaging Heaven Church in New London completely caved in and destroyed the building at 1.30pm today
The Church confirmed on its Facebook page that while one person was inside the building at the time, no one was injured
The Church said that while the structure may have been destroyed, they are ‘thriving and strong’
At a press conference, Passero said crews are expected to be at the scene all night
At a press conference, Passero said crews are expected to be at the scene all night.
State and local building inspectors will continue to examine the debris and the remaining structure before deciding on what the next step.
Passero said the church was ‘a cherished historic structure’ and that the disaster will leave a ‘gaping hole in our downtown’.
The mayor also confirmed that the building next to the scene, which houses Connecticut College students was evacuated and the students were relocated to a nearby hotel for the weekend.
But the disaster has not damaged community spirit.
The church has yet not clarified if it will begin fundraising efforts to rebuild the cathedral
State and local building inspectors will continue to examine the debris and the remaining structure before deciding on what the next step will be
Passero said the church was ‘a cherished historic structure’ and that the disaster will leave a ‘gaping hole in our downtown’
City officials have asked locals to avoid the area of Union, Masonic, State, Eugene O’Neill in New London
The stone building dates to around 1850, according to state building records, though the congregation dates back to the mid-1600s
Firefighters and police are still combing through debris and rubble
Two congregations share the church — Engaging Heaven and the former First Congregational Church. Engaging Heaven owns the building
Pastor Bob confirmed on Facebook no one was injured at the site and that New London’s ‘best are evaluating the situation’
‘God is aware of the situation. He is not shaken and either are we!,’ the Church said
The Church said that while the structure may have been destroyed, they are ‘thriving and strong’.
Pastor Bob also said that New London’s ‘best are evaluating the situation’
The post read: ‘Pastor Bob Here – New London’s BEST are evaluating the situation. Teresa is ok! No one else was inside that we are aware of. We don’t believe there was anyone outside. We will give updates as we receive them.
‘God is aware of the situation. He is not shaken and either are we!
‘The building is destroyed. The Church is thriving and strong. We trust in an unshakable God! We appreciate the love, prayers and support from around the country.’
City officials have asked locals to avoid the area of Union, Masonic, State, Eugene O’Neill in New London.
The church has yet not clarified if it will begin fundraising efforts to rebuild the cathedral.
Two congregations share the church — Engaging Heaven and the former First Congregational Church. Engaging Heaven owns the building.
The stone building dates to around 1850, according to state building records, though the congregation dates back to the mid-1600s.