Abatement phase of The Bells demolition begins

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said The Bells at Brenton Point State Park in Newport has begun the abatement phase of demolition, and anticipates to demolish the building in January.

DEM said that the next stages of demolition will be scheduled around weather.

The decision was made between DEM and the Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission to demolish the building after 4 boys were injured from the roof of the decrepit building collapsed on top of them, back in May 2023.

One of the boys was on top of the roof when a two-by-four piece of concrete fell from under him at about 25 feet onto two other boys, authorities shared at the time of the incident.

Two of the teenaged boys were taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and one was taken by med-flight. A fourth boy was treated and released at the scene.

A fence was installed over 10 years ago, and since the incident, security cameras were installed around the building.

DEM said they hope to soon have a set date when the abatement phase may be completed, and when demolition will begin.