Published on August 21, 2026 4:02 pm
Last Updated on August 21, 2026 4:03 pm
(photo by Joel Flexter)
Authorities say no explosion was involved in the building collapse in Midtown Mattoon just after 1pm Thursday.
Mattoon Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss said units were on scene as the dispatch came in, as they heard the collapse from the station located across the street and responded prior to the dispatch.
Crews found that a partial building housing a smoke shop had collapsed. Crews searched the entire building at 19th and Western to ensure all occupants were out of the other businesses that were housed in the building. Hilligoss said a total of eight businesses occupied the building, with the smoke shop and Little Caesar’s receiving most of the damage. The businesses that operate within the building are The Smoke Shop, Little Caesar’s, CK Nails, Hair Force 1, Armstrong Grooming, Paws, Healing Touch, and JWP Enterprises.
A gas leak was found under the southeast corner of the building. The collapse of the building broke a gas line coming into the building. Ameren shut the gas off to the building.
Crews were able to quickly account for all occupants of the building within all of the businesses and ensure that everyone had safely evacuated. While questioning employees who were in the building when it collapsed, it was determined that all occupants had safely evacuated prior to the collapse as they heard the building making noises and observed drywall falling from the walls and a window breaking. They began evacuating prior to the collapse. Video surveillance also assisted with making sure that there was nobody on the sidewalk, in the drive-through lane of Little Caesar’s, or around the building at the time of the collapse.
Hilligoss said the cause of the collapse is still under investigation. A structural engineer will work to ensure that the building will be safe prior to allowing entry into the remaining businesses in the building.
