WHEELING, W.Va. (AP) - Portions of a former church in Wheeling have collapsed.
The entire block surrounding the Second Presbyterian Church was blocked off Monday as bricks littered the sidewalk and street. Much of the damage was to the middle and rear of the church, which was built in 1850.
Fire Chief Larry Helms says his department was notified of the collapse early that morning. A high wind warning was in effect for the area when the collapse occurred, accompanied by rain.
Helms says the structure will likely have to be torn down.
The church sustained a partial roof collapse in 2011. Since then, current owners Near Earth Object Foundation have invested in renovating the building, in hopes of re-opening it.
