GARY — Part of a retail and office building collapsed in northwestern Indiana as a strong thunderstorm moved across the area.
Authorities reported no injuries from the collapse Sunday night of the strip building just outside Gary during the storm that the National Weather Service says had winds topping 40 mph and hail in the region.
Lake Ridge Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Gebhardt tells The Times of Munster that a check of the building found no one was inside.
The building's back masonry wall collapsed, destroying an insurance office. The building also includes a church, a Family Dollar Store and other businesses.
Christ Kingdom Ministries owns the strip center. Church property manager Scott Sloan says it is a blessing that no one was hurt.
