A historic church almost entirely collapsed in New London, Connecticut, on Thursday, January 25, prompting a large emergency response and a search for potential victims.The incident happened at the Engaging Heaven Church on Union Street. These images released by the City of New London reveal the extent of the damage to the structure, which was built in 1850, "according to
local media.An urban search-and-rescue team and sniffer dogs were at the site, but by 3:50 pm no injuries had been reported, according to
city authorities.Church leaders
said the building was “destroyed” but added that they were “grateful no one was hurt.”According to local media, New London Mayor Michael Passero said the church was “a cherished historic structure" and said its absence “will leave a gaping hole in our downtown."It was not known at the time of writing why the building collapsed. Credit: City of New London via Storyful