In a shocking incident on Thursday afternoon, the towering stone steeple of a historic church in New London, Connecticut, collapsed, causing significant damage to the building. The collapse occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of State Street and Union Street in the heart of downtown New London.

New London Mayor Michael Passero confirmed that a thorough search is underway among the debris, but officials do not believe that anyone was inside the church at the time of the collapse. To aid in the search efforts, an urban search and rescue team, accompanied by search dogs, has been called to the scene.

The affected church is shared by two congregations, Engaging Heaven and the former First Congregational Church, with the former being the current owner of the building, according to Mayor Passero. To ensure the safety of the surrounding area, Passero revealed that engineers are on their way with demolition equipment. It is anticipated that at least one of the church's two remaining towers will have to be taken down as a precautionary measure.

The granite gothic revival style church, a gem in New London's architectural history, was originally constructed in 1850 by Leopold Eidlitz, an acclaimed architect born in Prague and based in New York. Its impressive stone steeple had long been an iconic symbol of the community.

While the cause of the collapse remains unknown, authorities are determined to investigate the incident promptly and thoroughly. The mayor assured the public that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure public safety and to evaluate the structural integrity of the remaining parts of the church.

Residents and worshippers have been left in shock by the sudden destruction of this historic landmark. The church's collapse has not only left a massive hole in the roof but has also created a substantial pile of stone on the front steps, a somber reminder of the devastation caused.

As the investigation unfolds, the community anxiously awaits further updates on the situation. The loss of this architectural treasure is a devastating blow to New London's heritage, and efforts will undoubtedly be undertaken to determine the best path forward for the church and its historic significance.