Shinnston, West Virginia, USA: Abandoned multi-story building collapsed

On Sunday, June 22, at approximately 10:07 a.m. Eastern Time, a multi-story building partially collapsed on Hood Avenue in Shinnston, located in Harrison County, West Virginia, USA. According to Cameron Nuzum, Deputy Fire Chief of the Shinnston Volunteer Fire Department, the building was abandoned. It had previously operated as Matheny’s Car Lot, also known as the Royal Chrysler building. Fortunately, no one was inside at the time, and no injuries or fatalities were reported.

To ensure public safety, emergency teams promptly responded to the scene. Participating units included fire departments from Bridgeport, Lumberport, Monongah, Shinnston, Spelter, and Worthington, as well as the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, the Office of Emergency Management, Shinnston City Administration, and the West Virginia Division of Highways.

Emergency teams deployed drones to survey the site from above and assessed the lowest floor to confirm that no individuals were inside. The road near the collapse site will remain closed for an extended period. The cause of the structural failure is still unknown, but authorities have launched an investigation. Officials are coordinating with the property owner and city officials, as the site falls under city jurisdiction.