Residents react to New London church roof collapse

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WLNE) — The Engaging Heaven Church on Union Street in New London collapsed on Thursday.

New London Police Chief Brian Wright said that emergency personnel responded to reports of the collapse around 1:30 p.m.

During a search of the church, firefighters found an uninjured woman.

Wright said that vehicle and pedestrian traffic “will not be permitted near the structural collapse site,” and that parts of Masonic, State, and Union Streets were closed.

He added that the incident is still under investigation, and anyone with information should contact the New London Fire Marshal’s Office at 860-447-5294 or the New London Police Department Detective Division at 860-447-1481.

Photos posted by the city on Facebook show the church’s roof collapsed, rubble around the building, and emergency vehicles in the area.

The city and New London Police Department are also urged residents to avoid the area.

“Stay clear of downtown area around Union, Masonic, State, Eugene ONeill, and Gov. Winthrop Blvd.,” the department said in a Facebook post. “New London Emergency Services working an active scene involving a collapsed building.”

Gov. Ned Lamont also released a statement on the collapse:

“I am 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.”