UPDATE: South State Street closed until further notice due to structural damage

10/22 UPDATE: Dover city officials say that South State Street will remain closed until further notice.

City officials met with the structural engineer, who stated that the front of the building will need to be removed while reinforcing the inside. Scaffolding, a lift, supports, and other equipment will need to be brought in to complete this work, and remain in place until the work is finished.

Since this is a public safety concern, this section of South State Street will remain closed until the project is finished. A timeline has not yet been established to the nature of the work needed.

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DOVER, Del. – A structural collapse in Dover has left one road closed indefinitely.

According to officials, at around 6:15 p.m. Sunday, the Dover Fire Department was called to respond to a structural collapse at 304 S. State Street in Dover. The City of Dover Fire Marshal was also called to respond, and the Fire Department helped one resident exit the building and ensured that the gas and electric to the building were secured.

The Fire Marshal found a section of the front wall where multiple layers of bricks, which were used as a support wall had fallen, damaging an exterior overhang. Several cracks within the remaining wall were also found, and the building was condemned as a result.

South State Street between North Street and The Green was closed due to safety concerns and remains closed until further notice. Officials are working with the building owner to ensure proper repairs are made to the wall in order for it to be deemed safe, before the roadway is reopened.