Crews cleaning up after partial building collapse in Gloucester

GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Cleanup is underway after a roof collapsed in an abandoned building on Commercial Street in Gloucester Wednesday afternoon.

Crews responded to the one-story structure at approximately 9:15 a.m. On arrival, a 5,000-square-foot section of the roof of 80 Commercial Street had caved in, as did a section of the wall.

Sky25 was over the scene of the collapse, where a pickup truck was also covered in debris.

Building Inspector William Sanborn said it appears this was caused by the buildup of water on a section of the roof, but an investigation is still ongoing.

A natural gas connection to the building was also severed, which caused a gas leak in the area.

National Grid quickly shut off gas lines to the building. Officials say that other gas and electric customers in the area should still have service.

At this time there is no evidence that debris ended up in the harbor nearby or that there were any hazardous materials released during the cave in. The Gloucester Conservation Division is monitoring the situation.

The building is a total loss. However, the adjacent two-story structure at 88 Commercial Street was not damaged.

The collapsed building was recently bought by a new owner, who will be responsible for having the remains of the building safely demolished.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area until demolition is completed.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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