Councilman broadcasts on social media as part of VI campus destroyed

Buildings that had stood since the late 1800s on the Virginia Intermont College campus reduced to ashes early Friday with an inferno that torched other VI buildings when it spread.

Multiple fire crews from two states brought manpower to keep the blaze from spreading further in the neighborhood off Moore Street. Bristol Virginia City Council members voted last week to hike taxes on the Chinese-based company that purchased the property in 2016. Councilman Neal Osborne broadcast his feelings on social media as the Virginia Intermont main hall collapsed in the background.

The council member said the tragedy is heartbreaking for the city who have tried to preserve Virginia Intermont, but Osborne said it cannot match the sorrow of former students who saw the school close just 10 years ago.

Osborne also said the city could take court action against the campus owners.

(IMAGES: J. Patrix, Bristol Broadcasting News & Google Maps)