Historic Downtown New London Church Collapses

NEW LONDON, CT — A church that dates back centuries collapsed Thursday afternoon in New London, closing part of downtown.

The collapse occurred at the former First Congregational Church at 66 Union St., The Day and WFSB-3 Tv reported.

New London police advised people to stay out of the area shortly before 2 p.m. as emergency services were "working an active scene involving a collapsed building."

The City of New London posted that the Urban Search and Rescue Team and state police search dogs were on site. There were no reported injuries.

Police later posted an update that City Hall and the post office would be closed for the remainder of Thursday.

The City of New London has posted photographs of the building collapse on Facebook. Heidi Voigt of NBC Connecticut tweeted out video of the scene.

New London Mayor Michael Passero told WTNH News-8 that the absence of the historic church will leave "a gaping hole" in downtown.

The First Congregational Church in New London dates back to the 1600s, according to its website.

"In the late 1800’s, our current church bell was used by arrangement with the town to call people to town meetings and to sound fire alarms," the church's website states.

The church shares space with the Engaging Heaven Church, WFSB-3 reported.

Engaging Heaven Church's Pastor Bob posted on Facebook that one person was inside at the time but that she was okay. The church later said that "no one is hurt and everyone is accounted for."

In a Thursday night update, state officials said that the "Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Connecticut Task Force 1 (CT-TF1) continues to work along state and local officials in New London at the scene of the church collapse. Specially trained @CT_STATE_POLICE K9 units who work with USAR continue to search the rubble."

Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement that he is "in communication with State Police and emergency management officials regarding the church collapse in New London and we have deployed state emergency services personnel and equipment 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," Lamont said.