Squirrel causes $300,000 damage at US building

WASHINGTON: An errant squirrel has caused about USD 300,000 worth of damage to a community centre in the US after tampering with the electrical equipment of the building.

The squirrel caused about $300,000 in damage last week to the community centre in McMillen Park in Indiana, that is set to open in June, officials said.

The squirrel got into the electrical equipment of the building, causing a massive power surge that damaged the heating and air conditioning systems and some parts of the boiler system, Fort Wayne Parks Department officials said.

Officials said the squirrel did not make it out alive, 'The Journal Gazette' reported.

Parks Director Al Moll said the damage will be covered by insurance.

Crews are working to make repairs so the centre can open as planned, the report said.

The McMillen Ice Arena closed in 2009. A nearly $2 million project is transforming it into a community centre hosting basketball, an indoor track and other activities.