Threat of building collapse forces partial closure of Longfellow Street in Vandergrift

Joyce Hanz
Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022 3:37 p.m. | Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022 3:37 p.m.

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Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

A section of the 300 block of Longfellow Street in Vandergrift was closed Wednesday afternoon after demolition crews evacuated this building at 326 Longfellow St. The condemned building has bulging walls and parts of the roof collapsed onto the sidewalk.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

This condemned building located at 326 Longfellow St. in Vandergrift began partially collapsing Wednesday during demolition. Borough officials have closed off a portion of the street in the interest of public safety. No injuries were reported.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Part of the roof of a condemned building on Longfellow Street in Vandergrift collapsed onto the sidewalk on Wednesday.

Portions of Longfellow Street in Vandergrift were closed for a time Wednesday afternoon after demolition crews evacuated a condemned building.

Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department No. 2 Chief Albert Wells confirmed there were no injuries.

Borough officials roped off the building at 326 Longfellow St. and said it’s unsafe for the public.

A portion of the building’s roof crumbled and fell onto the sidewalk around 1:30 p.m.

“I’m worried with the rain, snow and weather coming that the weight could take more of the building down,” Wells said.

Wells said the vacant building has been condemned for several years. It formerly housed a hair salon with apartments upstairs.

He said it is slated for demolition.

The chief said neighboring buildings are not in structural danger.

Wells said crews from Rittmeyer and Sons of Connellsville showed up around 3 p.m. to assess the damages and continue tearing down the building.

Wells said contractors are expected to continue demolition Thursday.

Longfellow Street was expected to reopen by 5 p.m.