UPDATE as of 3:10 p.m.:
Blairsville Borough Police Chief Lou Sacco said two people were working at the building when the roof collapsed.
Sacco confirmed only the roof collapsed and personnel are working to determine the next steps.
Photo by Josh Widdowson.
He adds one person was flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment of suspected serious injuries, while the second person was transported via ambulance to Forbes Hospital. Two homes were evacuated and made arrangements with either family or friends. A third home refused evacuation.
Two people were hurt after the roof of a former school building collapsed Wednesday afternoon in Blairsville Borough.
Indiana County 911 dispatched fire crews from Blairsville, Black Lick, New Alexandria, and Derry, along with Citizens’ Ambulance and Team 900 to a physical rescue call at the old junior high building along Walnut Street around 12:47 p.m.
Blairsville Fire Department spokesperson Ab Dettorre said two people were working at the building when it collapsed. One person suffered severe injuries which included breathing issues. They were extricated and flown to a medical facility for treatment. The second person suffered suspected head injuries, but they were alert when first responders arrived. They were taken to another medical facility via Citizens’ Ambulance.
Their conditions are unknown at this time.
Dettorre adds two nearby homes had to be evacuated and are being helped by the American Red Cross. A third home could possibly be evacuated.
This is a developing story and we will post more details once they’re made available.
