A historic building in Indianapolis erupted in flames as a wall collapsed during a firefighting operation.

Footage shows crews battling the blaze after the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) dispatched around 80 firefighters to the abandoned structure at 2130 Yandes St at 8:39 am on December 7.

Authorities confirmed that a wall collapsed at 8:53 am. Crews initially struggled to extinguish the fire due to low water pressure, as water was being supplied to multiple mains.

The IFD and Citizens Energy adjusted the system to increase pressure, allowing firefighters to regain control and eventually put out the blaze.

Neighbours said the building, constructed in 1910, once served as a key automotive industry landmark. They added that it has been abandoned for more than 20 years and is frequently broken into.

Building owners told crews they heard a rave party with an estimated 50 to 100 people took place inside until around 4 am on Sunday, though police were not notified.

No injuries were reported. IFD said it took three hours and 20 minutes to bring the fire under control, and the blaze was declared out at 11:59 am.