The second story of a two-story building at 116 North Church Street and the roof of an adjacent building at 118 North Church Street both collapsed Tuesday
/ Kyle Cantoe
Update (3/1/13): Route 240 in Fayette has reopened.
HOWARD COUNTY -- The second story of a two-story building at 116 North Church Street and the roof of an adjacent building at 118 North Church Street both collapsed Tuesday, prompting Missouri Department of Transportation officials to close Route 240 between Davis and Morrison streets in Fayette.
The accumulation of heavy, wet snow is the likely cause of the collapse, which spilled debris on the roadway.
The road closure is also ensuring motorist safety while officials examine these and other nearby buildings to ensure they do not pose a threat of more debris falling into the roadway. Fayette city officials will do the examinations Wednesday before determining a course of action, and the length of the road closure is unknown at this time. Detour signs have been set up around the area.
No injuries have been reported.
The building at 116 North Church Steet houses EO Recycling, while the building at 118 North Church Street is used for storage (it formerly housed Belcher Automotive).
Twelve people, mostly students, were evacuated from an adjacent building. They all have a place to stay overnight.
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