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 Building Collapse in Downtown Mattoon 

Published on August 20, 2026 7:07 pm
Last Updated on August 20, 2026 7:16 pm

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Photo by Joel Flexter

Early Thursday afternoon, a building collapsed in downtown Mattoon, with no word on injuries at this time.  The building adjoins the Mattoon Little Caesar’s Restaurant, and is located where Western Avenue intersects 19th Street.  A vape shop was one of the businesses believed to occupy part of the building.

 

The City of Mattoon is continuing to assess the situation and clean up the area.  Several roads that were closed have now been re-opened.  As of 6:30 p.m., the only remaining road closures are:

Western Avenue from 19th to 20th Street
and
Prairie Avenue from 19th to 20th Street

Residents and travelers are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel and equipment safe access.  They advise that there is no need for residents to come to that area, and to please use alternate routes.

Mattoon City Officials hope to provide additional information, including updates to road closures, as it becomes available.