Sullivan city block evacuated amid building collapse fears

SULLIVAN, Ind. (AP) - A city block containing municipal offices and other workplaces in southwestern Indiana was evacuated amid fears an adjacent building might collapse and affect power lines and a gas main.

The city of Sullivan on Thursday lifted the emergency evacuation of the downtown block that contains Sullivan City Hall, Sullivan County Community Corrections, an auto parts store and other businesses. However, it remained unclear when those businesses would reopen. Mayor Clint Lamb says City Hall will reopen Monday.

Lamb says an adjacent three-story former law office building experienced some structural degradation Wednesday morning, prompting the evacuation.

Lamb says he's working with demolition experts and contractors to weigh options for the failing building.

Metal mats were placed over a shallow gas main to protect it from any debris that might fall.