Pictures show collapse of historic building which destroyed car and closed road
Local resident Nicolette Windridge, whose car was buried under the rubble, described how she heard three loud bangs
This is the aftermath of the sudden collapse of a historic chapel. Part of the building in Wattstown, Rhondda fell to the ground and crushed a car on Monday night. Nicolette Windridge, whose car was crushed by the falling rubble, said she heard three loud bangs, looked out and saw part of the wall had collapsed.
"As you can imagine it was a total shock, but luckily no-one was injured," said the shop worker. "I have not lived here long so I don't know if there had been any concerns about the building, but the local community has been fantastic. I have had so much support from neighbours and from my work. They have all been amazing."
The 400-seater chapel on Chapel Terrace dates back to 1906 but has been left empty for years. Council staff and emergency services are were the scene and described the building as having "partly collapsed". Council leader Andrew Morgan said: "Roads near are closed in both directions including on Bailey Street and Lower Bailey street Roads expected to remain closed for some time."
Firefighters from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called around 6.30pm.
Nicolette said she heard three loud bangs
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The chapel was first built in 1906
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Fire crews were called to the scene around 6.30pm
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There were no reports of any injuries
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Nicolette's Vauxhall buried under the rubble
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