Demolition Begins at Sandy Hook Elementary School

The elementary school where 20 young children and six adults were shot to death last December is being demolished. Crews began tearing down the 60-year-old Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Conn., on Oct. 25, 2013.

According to several reports, town officials want the building to be completely demolished by the one-year anniversary of the tragedy, which is Dec. 14, 2013.

The property, according to Reuters, has been barricaded to keep members of the public and media away. Security guards also are monitoring the site. Workers have reportedly signed confidentiality agreements banning them from discussing any aspects of the work.

Asbestos abatement and hazardous waste removal was reportedly being handled by Bestech Inc., Ellington, Conn.

The town received a $49.3 million state grant to demolish the old school and build a new school at the same site. The new school is expected to open in 2016. Students have been attending a neighboring school since the shootings occurred.