An East Boston building has been demolished after it partially collapsed Sunday afternoon.
The 3-story brick building at 4 Winthrop St. was quickly reduced to rubble Monday morning in a controlled demolition by Boston fire officials and the Inspectional Services Department.
"You see how fast it came down? They hit it with one shot and that was it," said Gary Cirone, of East Boston, who stopped by to see the building demolished.
The building came down a lot faster than anticipated, making an investigation of why the building partially collapsed just after noon on Sunday more difficult, but not impossible.
"We're happy it came down that way. But the forensic piece is going to be probably put on hold for right now because there's nothing left of the original two floors to analyze," said Boston Inspectional Services Commissioner William Christopher Jr.
Construction crews had been working to renovate the unoccupied building for the last several months when a portion of it collapsed. No one was inside at the time and no injuries were reported.
"Everybody's OK and these guys should be thanked," said witness Robert Stoak. "They're real pros."
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About two dozen residents who live in the area had to be evacuated following the collapse due to a gas leak and because water needed to be shut off.
Authorities said things should return to normal now that the building has come down.
