DANIA BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A place of worship in Dania Beach suffered extensive damage after the roof partially caved in.
7Skyforce hovered over the scene above the New Life Christian Center church near 102 Northwest Seventh Avenue, on Friday afternoon.
Cherry McGill, who lives nearby, told 7News she witnessed it all.
“I looked, and I said, ‘Oh, my God, the church is falling in.’ I said, ‘Oh, my God, I’ve got to call 911. Let me hurry and call 911,” said McGill.
According to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue officials, the building was unoccupied when most of the roof collapsed.
The collapse left a massive hole in the structure, with piles of debris and rubble inside.
Betty Miller told 7News she heard a loud boom when it happened.
“‘Boom.’ I just heard the boom, and I came out the door; it was caved in,” said Miller.
McGill was later seen speaking with first responders, describing what happened. She remains stunned by what she witnessed.
“I couldn’t believe it. It was like, ‘Oh, my God, what is this?’ It was just unbelievable,” said McGill.
Residents in the area said the church is normally very active.
“They do food drives on the weekends, and I know they do prayer meetings, like on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they rent it out to certain members,” said a local area resident.
Witnesses said they’re relieved nobody was harmed in the unexpected collapse.
“It really is God’s work. Good thing no one was in there, everyone’s safe,” said Shannon Brown, a resident. “It could’ve been worse. It could’ve definitely been worse.”
Authorities cordoned off the surrounding areas around the church to keep people away from the unstable structure.
Officials for Florida Power & Light were also brought out to the area to temporarily shut off power to the homes in the immediate vicinity.
As of Friday night, it remains unclear what caused the roof to partially collapse, and officials continue to investigate.
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