Approximately 1,700 Evacuated After a Section of the Theater Building Crashes Down During Powerful Storm

Approximately 1,700 people were evacuated during a performance at the J. Everett Collins Center for the Performing Arts after a part of a second-floor facade came down during the high wind and rain storm on Sunday afternoon, according to Andover Fire Chief Michael Mansfield.

“They were a little upset when we evacuated the building,” Chief Mansfield said.

Three firefighters were on a detail during the performance when the high winds ripped the facade from the building. A second piece of the facade subsequently came down.

There were no injuries reported.

A structural engineer evaluated the building, and there was no structural deficiency, according to the fire chief.

People were allowed to go back into the building, and were enjoying a performance by 6 Sunday night.

The theater, named for John Everett Collins, was built in 1983 as an auditorium for Andover High School and a center for the performing arts.

“The weather was not kind to us,” Chief Mansfield said.

He said firefighters had reports of lightning strikes in Andover and North Andover during the fierce storm.