Roof collapses on abandoned Martinsville Street church
A building on the city's south side that has looked on the verge of collapse for some time did just that Wednesday afternoon.
At 2:08 p.m., Greencastle police and firefighters were dispatched to a roof collapse near the intersection of Martinsville Street and U.S. 231. Upon arrival at 24 Martinsville St., they found more than half of the main roof of the abandoned church had fallen into the building.
Additionally, the west wall was seriously bowing out.
GFD Capt. Bill Miller said the main goal of personnel on the scene was to secure the location, particularly electrical and gas lines in the area.
Duke and Vectren personnel were on scene, ensuring service was cut off to the damaged building. Miller said cutting off gas to the church also temporarily stopped service to the home immediately to its southwest. Vectren was on schedule to have service back to the home by Wednesday evening.
Caution tape now warns passersby not to get too close to the dangerous building.
"The city's following all ordinances to make the area safe," Miller said.
Greencastle building commissioner Dave Varvel also responded to the incident, investigating the scene and ensuring the area remained secure.
City authorities said it is now up to the building's owner to raze the building or otherwise ensure the safety of the area.
The building is currently owned by Bud Skinner, who lives in the adjacent house.