American International College recovers following destructive fire in science building [Video]

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Last year, a lightning strike at American International College led to fire and damage to multiple health sciences buildings including the college’s Courniotes Hall.

July 27, 2023 is a day that will not be forgotten anytime soon by the faculty staff and students of American International College.

Patty Meyers, director of occupational therapy at AIC remembered, “It was the end of the work day and the storm was fierce and we just heard this really loud ‘pop’ like I was waiting for a tree to fall, that’s what it sounded like.”

The ‘pop’ Patty Meyers heard turned out to be a strike of lightning that hit the college’s Courniotes Hall, a building used mainly by the health science’s program. The single strike broke out into flames

We’re told the impact of the flames was felt next door at Lissa Hall and left a feeling of uncertainty …