House under construction collapses in Freeport

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A house that was under construction in Freeport collapsed Monday, officials said, because of strong winds.

The framework of the two-story building, located on Sportsman Avenue, collapsed at around 2:20 p.m. when strong gusts blew from the southwest, Mayor Robert Kennedy said, and damaged the house next door. The neighbors were not home at the time and no injuries were reported.

“They had some substantial damage to the house,” Kennedy said. “The electric was cut off because of damage to the electric meter. It penetrated the side of the house in certain areas.”


Parts of the structure fell into the street and village employees were called in to clear the area for emergency vehicles. Emergency rescue units and members of the Freeport Fire Department, the Freeport Police Department, the Department of Public Works and the Building Department rushed to the scene.

“I believe what happened was the winds from the southwest affected the stability of it,” Kennedy said, adding that it looked like the developer began construction within the past two months.

Kennedy said the necessary permits had been secured through the Freeport Building Department. The collapsed structure was deemed a total loss.

— Bridget Downes