LONG NECK, Del.- Billowing smoke and flames tore through a pitch-black sky in Long Neck on Thursday night as an apartment building under construction caught fire.
"Totally engulfed in flames, you know? Terrible, terrible thing," said Rocco Crisconi who saw the fire.
Multiple fire crews were on scene to put out the fire at the 30-unit apartment complex.
On Friday, what was left of the building sat charred and heavily damaged. The roof collapsed with piles of debris scattered around the place.
According to the Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office, the fire caused an estimated $1.5 million in damage.
Jaime Zolper with Ocean Atlantic Companies said the building was just one of seven being developed in the new "Carillon Woods" community.
"There wasn't even electric to the building yet," said Zolper.
Zolper said the company was starting to lease reservations in building two.
"There was a couple of temporary deposit reservations. No hard contracts. Obviously, there's a couple of other buildings under roof we can actually easily move them to building three," said Zolper.
The hope was to have tenants move in around March or April.
"We're extremely appreciative and thankful and grateful for everyone who spent their entire evening out there. All the firemen and personnel," said Zolper.
Zolper said the company plans to rebuild.
