Draper Mill In Hopedale Partially Collapses

HOPEDALE, MA — A part of the historic Draper Mill in Hopedale collapsed Tuesday afternoon, sending debris onto town streets, according to police.

The collapse happened around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Hopedale and Freedom streets. A passing motorist witnessed the collapse, police said, but no one was injured. The incident closed roads in the town's downtown area during rush hour.

The mill is in the process of being demolished. Crews will now turn their attention to tearing down the collapsed portion.

"Per direction of the Hopedale Fire Department and the Hopedale Building Inspector the remaining portion of the building is to be taken down immediately," Hopedale police said Tuesday night.

The mill covers 77 acres in the center of Hopedale. The mill closed in the late 1970s after more than 100 years in business, leaving hundreds without jobs. At its peak, the Draper factory employed more than 3,000 people making parts for looms.

The property owner decided to demolish the entire building last fall after finding too many environmental and structural problems to repurpose the mill.