Destruction and devastation: State Theatre's roof collapses

SANDUSKY — A severe thunderstorm obliterated downtown Sandusky's most iconic building. At about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, strong winds swept through the area, striking the Sandusky State Theatre and destroying its structural back portion abutting against Water Street. Bricks and other building material rained down and piled high atop Water Street. The debris totaled at least one car and damaged others parked on the street. At about 7:15 p.m., Sandusky police officers barricaded the area and ordered everyone to evacuate. They checked all nearby areas for possible gas leaks. Police told the Register nobody sustained any known injuries as a result of this incident. One officer said nobody was inside the building when this occurred. One bystander, however, shared how her apartment, on Columbus Avenue, was pelted by various building materials. As of today, it's not known if the building can be saved. "We are assessing the damage, but it's too early to tell what the loss will be," said Chris Parthemore, the state theater's executive director. "It's a devastating day for the theater, its volunteers, staff, board and for Sandusky," he continued. "If there's one thing that I know, it's that Sandusky is resilient and has its eyes on the future. We are honored to be part of its past and look forward to being part of the future."