NEW LONDON, Conn. — The New London community is reeling after a roof collapsed at the First Congregational Church on Thursday.
Matthew Stefanelli, a New London resident, lives across the street from Engaging Heaven Church, and heard could see the church from his apartment window on the fourth floor.
“It sounded like they were dragging a dumpster down the street. I didn’t realize what happened until the firetrucks came," said Stefanelli. "When I looked out and saw that it wasn’t standing anymore, I realized right away that it was a big deal."
Witnesses said the collapse happened around 1:30 p.m. at the church, located at 66 Union St. The church organization occupying the space at the time was Engaging Heaven Church, which bought the building in 2015. The group said on their Facebook page that all were accounted for and no reported injuries.
RELATED: Church roof collapses in New London
While Stefanelli didn't see the church collapse, many people did. Edwin Ramos is a seventh grader at ISAAC, a school in close proximity to the church.
“The class is next to the window, and we looked out, and we just saw the church building collapse," Ramos said. "I was surprised and in shock.”
Connecticut College students housed in an apartment directly behind the church were forced to evacuate following the collapse.
“I was just hanging out in my apartment and heard what I thought was a really loud thunder," said Nick Musi. "[I] opened the blinds and saw just a bunch of dust and rocks from the church coming down towards the window.”
Musi was inside the building with his friend Mike Cosgrave at the time of the collapse. Cosgrave paints the scene like something from the video game "Call of Duty."
“One day, you’re living in your apartment, and the next day, the church you see every day walking to class is gone,” said Cosgrave.
The cleanup began shortly after the collapse occurred, which left rocks and debris on the surrounding streets below and a once beautiful and historic edifice in a pile of rubble.
“It’s hard to look over there to see what’s left,” said Stefanelli. "This is my home, New London. I've lived here my whole life, 42 years."
Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement that he is in touch with emergency management officials. They have deployed state emergency services personnel and equipment to assist response efforts.
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, who represents the district that includes New London, said he spoke with Mayor Michael Passero, who "described a strong, thorough effort by first responders.
The building, a longtime landmark in the Whaling City, was first constructed in 1850.
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Jonah Karp is the sports director at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jkarp@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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