'Catastrophic’ Collapse Damages Danbury Church

DANBURY, CT — A large portion of a Danbury church came crashing down Thursday afternoon, according to local officials.

Danbury Fire Dispatch received a report from a passing motorist around 4:30 p.m. of a partial building collapse at Lighthouse Ministries International on 26 West St., according to the Danbury Fire Department.

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Firefighters arrived to find that a large portion of the church structure had collapsed. Crews searched the affected area using thermal imaging cameras and found no signs that anyone was trapped.

No injuries were reported.

Lighthouse Ministries International described the collapse as "catastrophic" in a Facebook post Thursday night.

"There are moments in life that can feel overwhelming and for which we can feel completely unprepared," church officials wrote. "This feels like one of those moments."

The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, according to fire officials.

Church leaders said they are working with their insurance company, structural engineers and other entities to determine their next steps.

"We are devastated but at peace! God has a plan," the church wrote.

Despite the damage, the congregation plans to gather Sunday at the Parochial House.