Possible Building Collapse Displaces Families and Closes Streets in Mahanoy City

A building on the verge of collapsing prompted officials to close streets and evacuate homes Tuesday.


Contractors began to tear down the old Kaier's Brewery in Mahanoy City located on North Main Street around 12:15pm Tuesday, when the listed building began to crumble on it's own.

The possible collapse had officials close off a 6 block radius around the structure and to evacuate homes nearby.

A child development center nearby was also evacuated.

In all, 21 people are displaced, 17 are staying at a hotel with help from the American Red Cross, 4 others have places to stay.

Park Place Road, Route 339 North and South and North Main Street are closed until further notice.

The Mahanoy City Fire Department is also at the scene until larger equipment arrives to tear down the structure.

As of 9:00pm Tuesday, chunks of the building could still be seen falling off the building.

The building was set to be tore down to create a park in the area.  The money behind the project was secured through a grant.

Kaier's Brewery closed in the 1960's and has been abandoned since.