An insurance company is suing over a New London church collapse from 2024, alleging negligence by Engaging Heaven Ministries and the First Congregational Church.
NEW LONDON, Conn. — An insurance company has filed a lawsuit over a New London church collapse that happened in early 2024.
According to the state judicial branch website, the attorneys for the Greater New York Mutual Insurance Company, or GNY, filed a lawsuit on Aug. 8 against Engaging Heaven Ministries and the First Congregational Church of New London.
On Jan. 25, 2024, the steeple and roof of the former First Congregational Church on 66 Union St. collapsed. Although one woman was escorted out of the building by emergency crews, no one was hurt. The entire structure, which stood in place since 1850, was deemed a total loss and was torn down.
The church was the home of Engaging Heaven Church, which now operates on Broad Street in New London.
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The complaint notes that GNY insured the building for certain damage and is filing on behalf of the owner of the neighboring property on 223 State St. GNY adjusted its claim totaling $81,935.75.
The lawsuit claims that Engaging Heaven and First Congregational “failed to maintain, control and manage the building, structure and or property,” including inspecting the structure to ensure its integrity. It also claims they did not warn about the potential collapse due to its unsafe condition.
FOX61 reached out to Engaging Heaven Church and the law firm representing GNY for statements on the lawsuit and has not received a response at this time.
Sean Humphrey is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at shumphrey@fox61.com.
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