Marquette County structures collapse under snow
- Downtown Ishpeming was cordoned off Wednesday morning after the collapse of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4573 building on Bank Street, prompting concerns over a gas leak. (Courtesy photo)
- This photo of the Bargain Barn in the Westwood Mall in Marquette Township was posted to the company’s Facebook page Wednesday after the collapse of a snow-laden roof. (Courtesy photo)

Downtown Ishpeming was cordoned off Wednesday morning after the collapse of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4573 building on Bank Street, prompting concerns over a gas leak. (Courtesy photo)
Downtown Ishpeming had to be temporarily evacuated Wednesday morning after the roof of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4573 building on Bank Street collapsed overnight.
City officials said in a statement posted on Facebook about 7:30 a.m. Eastern time the evacuation was “out of an abundance of caution” until natural gas service could be shut off. The area was barricaded and closed to traffic and pedestrians.
“(Area residents) are urged to stay away from the downtown district until further notice to allow emergency responders and utility crews to work safely,” the statement advised.
The evacuation was lifted about two hours later, though residents were asked to stay out of the barricaded section.
“The city of Ishpeming thanks the public for its cooperation and patience during this emergency response,” said the city in an official statement.

This photo of the Bargain Barn in the Westwood Mall in Marquette Township was posted to the company's Facebook page Wednesday after the collapse of a snow-laden roof. (Courtesy photo)
The collapse came after another round of snow in the region Tuesday.
The Westwood Mall, 3020 U.S. 41 in Marquette Township, also had a roof collapse that affected at least one store. The Bargain Barn posted two photos of the damage on its Facebook page.
Further details about the mall collapse were not available by press time.





