One of the two victims died as a result of injuries suffered in a roof collapse at a former school building in Blairsville.
Blairsville Borough Police Chief Lou Sacco confirmed the death in a news release issued late Wednesday afternoon. Police along with Blairsville and Black Lick fire departments, Citizens’ Ambulance and the Indiana County Structural Team were dispatched at 12:47 to 121 South Walnut Street, the former Third Ward School for what was initially termed as a “physical rescue.” Chief Sacco said that two men were on the roof of the building assessing it for demolition when the roof collapsed.
Police found one of the victims walking outside the structure when they arrived, and they advised the police on the possible location of the other victim. Officers were able to remove debris and were soon assisted by other first responders. He was extricated and flown to UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh where he died from his injuries. The other victim was taken to Forbes Hospital in Monroeville for treatment and is listed in stable condition.
Borough officials were also on the scene along with a structural engineer to determine how structurally sound the building was and a few nearby homes were evacuated as a result.
Police did not release the identity of the victims in the incident.
To see what we previously reported in this incident, including comment from Chief Lou Sacco, click here.
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