New Castle – At around 6:00 a.m. this morning Collins Park residents were awakened by high winds, the sound of trees snapping and debris smashing in to homes.
Reports from the scene advised that the roof of the Rite-Aid, located at 2034 New Castle Avenue, had collapsed and that “strong winds or a possible tornado” had struck the area.
Delaware State Police, along with fire crews from Holloway Terrace, Minquadale. Five Points and Wilmington Manor responded to the scene to find debris strewn about the parking lot and surrounding streets..
Auto parts and fencing material from the tow lot adjacent to the Rite-Aid were sent flying across Route 9 (New Castle Avenue), damaging homes and vehicles.
In addition to the damage to the Rite-Aid, trees and utility lines are down for several blocks surrounding the store.
The Rite-Aid remains closed while damage to the store can be evaluated according to a store representative. Initial reports from the scene indicated that the roof was partially collapsed but the interior of the store appeared to be intact.
Chief Mark Willis of the Holloway Terrace Fire Company commented on our story with an update “The roof of the rite aid did not collapse. Hvac units were torn from their bases and ceiling tiles and light fixtures fell in the front entrance area of the store.” There was no collapse, added Willis.
Willis went on to say that the Holloway Terrace Fire Company handled the incident with support from Minquadale. Five Points and Wilmington Manor. We also handled an similar incident at on Lukens Drive with similar building damage as well along with assistance from Minquadale, Wilmington Manor, Five Points and Goodwill Fire Companies, said Willis. Other incidents involving trees and wires down issues in Collins Park were handled by neighboring companies along with Holloway Terrace Fire Company.
No injuries have been reported.
Developing.
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