New Haven Register, Conn.
(TNS)
Jan. 25—NEW LONDON — The steeple at First Congregational Church on Union Street collapsed Thursday afternoon.
The New London Fire Department was on scene with several trucks and at least two-dozen firefighters, as well as New London police officers and Mayor Michael Passero.
Reached by phone, Passero said officials do not know whether anyone was inside the building, but were optimistic that it was empty. He said they already had scanned the building using a heat-sensing drone, adding the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security was sending its Urban Search and Rescue Team to the scene.
Passero said search dogs also are coming to the scene.
It was not immediately clear what caused the collapse.
Connecticut State Police said it had troopers at the site of the collapse to assist, but it was not immediately clear what their role would be.
In a tweet, Gov. Ned Lamont said he was in communication with state police and emergency management officials concerning the collapse. He noted state emergency services personnel and equipment has been deployed to assist in response efforts.
"I urge everyone in the area to follow the direction of law enforcement and other first responders who are working to keep the community safe," he said.
In a post on Facebook, the New London Police Department asked people to stay away from the downtown area around Union Street, Masonic Street, State Street, Eugene O'Neill Drive and Gov. Winthrop Boulevard. It said City Hall and the post office, both of which are nearby, would be closed for the remainder of the day.
At about 2:50 p.m., a Waterford Fire Department ladder truck had put a ladder onto the roof of the church.
More than 100 people stood behind police tape and watched the scene before officials moved them back another block.
The steeple collapse caused a huge section of roof to cave in, as well as large stones to be spilled out onto the lawn.
According to the church's website, the structure was built in the late 1800s, although the congregation has been part of New London's community since the 1600s. It said the church bell that was in the steeple used to be used as a way to call residents for town meetings.
The website described the congregation as a progressive one, saying " First Congregational Church is a spiritual community in the heart of downtown New London, focused on providing a safe and welcoming space for all who are seeking spiritual connection and guidance in their lives. We are a theologically progressive, Christ centered community, striving to follow Christ on the way of discipleship, and to shine the light of God's love in the world."
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.
Martha Shanahan contributed to this story.
Jan 25, 2024|Updated Jan 25, 2024 4:23 p.m.
By Josh LaBella
Josh LaBella is a breaking news reporter and former reporter for the Fairfield Citizen. He has been with Hearst Connecticut Media Group since 2020. When not working, he can be found playing video games or Dungeons & Dragons, reading, hiking or hanging with friends.
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