Fire closes Route 224, destroys landmark

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — U.S. Route 224 is closed between Winter Road and old Youngstown Road in Union Township, outside New Castle, due to a large business fire.

A fire in the kitchen of Parkstown Restaurant and Lounge and Parkstown Lanes, 2800 W. State St., spread quickly, engulfing the entire building around 11:30 a.m. today. The business was also connected to eight apartments. Firefighters evacuated all tenants and were able to contain the fire before it spread to the apartments.

No serious injuries have been reported, but the building is a complete loss, said Pat Angiolelli, Union Township supervisor. About 20 fire departments from Larwrence County as well as some from Ohio were still fighting the blaze at 5 p.m.

U.S. 224 will remain closed till 6 p.m., if not later, Angiolelli said.

“It’s very upsetting,” he said “This is a [New Castle] landmark.”

For the compete story, read Sunday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com.