Fire Destroys Building in Downtown Hannibal

A blaze in downtown Hannibal destroys a building at 607 Broadway. All available Hannibal firefighters responded around 8:15 a.m. Saturday. Upon arrival crews found heavy smoke coming out of the first floor of the structure. Extra personnel were called in to fight the blaze. A total of twenty-two firefighters were on scene, according to Fire Chief Sean Hampton.  Crews remained on the scene throughout  the day.

The second floor collapsed into the first, hampering firefighters efforts. The building was a total loss. No firefighter injuries are reported.

Hampton says adjacent buildings suffered moderate smoke and water damage, and one of the buildings had minor fire damage in an upper corner.  The two businesses on either side, Rookies Bar and Rialto Banquet Center, remained closed Saturday night.  The historic Rialto Banquet Center had just recently been remodeled.

Hampton said currently the cause of the fire is undetermined. He said the investigation is hampered by the fact that the second floor collapsed into the first. The Street Department brought in equipment to remove debris so investigators could gain access and firefighters could control hot spots.

As of 3 p.m., Hampton said there were unconfirmed reports that someone was inside one of the apartments in the building when the fire broke out.  A Hannibal Police investigator was on scene.