Fire Destroys Historic Maria Stein Church in Ohio

A massive fire broke out Thursday afternoon at the historic St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Maria Stein, Mercer County, Ohio, which dates back to the 1890s. The blaze began while workers were installing shingles on the roof and noticed smoke, leading to a 911 call at around 2:30 p.m. Nearly 20 fire departments responded, but the church's roof collapsed and its iconic steeple fell by 7 p.m. No injuries were reported, as the building was believed to be empty. The fire has deeply saddened the local community and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, given the church's historical and emotional importance. The Ohio State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause, and officials are assessing the extent of the damage and the church's future.