Illinois School Damaged by Earthquake

The 5.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the Midwest last month has caused damage to a gym at an elementary school in East Alton,. Ill.

Officials at Eastwood elementary School have roped off the gym with yellow caution tape and closed the building.

Long, vertical cracks have formed on nearly all of the gym walls and columns. Some stretch 24 feet from the ceiling to floor.

School officials say the building is covered by earthquake insurance. The gym was built in 1998. Structural engineers have surveyed the gym and an insurance adjuster has visited the school.

The temblor on April 18th was centered near the community of West Salem.