Curious Incident Brought the roof down at Apollo Theatre

[cronus]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25458009

London's Apollo Theatre's roof collapses

Part of a roof in the Apollo Theatre in central London has collapsed during a performance.

The theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue was packed for a performance of the Curious Incident Of The Dog in the Night-time.

An eyewitness said she heard "a crackling" noise before the collapse at about 20:15 GMT. Another eyewitness said the "entire dome roof" fell on audience members seated in the stalls.

London Ambulance said there were 30 casualties including walking wounded.

London Fire Brigade said eight fire engines were attending and police are also at the scene in London's busy Theatreland.

Witnesses said they saw people leaving the building, covered in dust and debris - with some people bleeding and crying.

(continued)

[JimC]

Quite amazing people weren't killed...

[mistermack]

Not roof, ceiling, I think.

[klr]

Latest update: Over 80 injuries, but all but 4 walked away. Just four serious, none in any way life threatening.

Not roof, ceiling, I think.

There's a crane working on the building right now I think, so at least part of the roof may have gone.

[PsychoSerenity]

Damn. Makes me wonder how many other >100 year old buildings might be rather unsafe too.

[klr]

Damn. Makes me wonder how many other >100 year old buildings might be rather unsafe too.

Quite a lot, especially in the current weather. See the picture of Cork railway station here:

http://rationalia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=46679

The part that collapsed was Victorian era. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries there either.

[JimC]

Damn. Makes me wonder how many other >100 year old buildings might be rather unsafe too.

Quite a lot, especially in the current weather. See the picture of Cork railway station here:

http://rationalia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=46679

The part that collapsed was Victorian era. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries there either.

We are not amused...

[Clinton Huxley]

All products of the Victorian era are beyond reproach. Its the post-Victorian trash built around 'em that's the issue

[rainbow]

Brings new meaning to the phrase: "brought the roof down".

[Trinity]

Brings new meaning to the phrase: "brought the roof down".

Should I laugh? I want to...

[Clinton Huxley]

The wrath of Ceiling Cat.

[mistermack]

It was amazing that nobody died when this happened.

I just had a look, but they haven't published what was the cause. I'm guessing, as it happened just after a really torrential downpour from a thunderstorm, and that some water came down with the ceiling, that the roof must have a leak, and water got in and soaked the plaster, making it too heavy for the timbers holding it up. Which might have had some rot, anyway, if there was a historic leak in the roof.
That sort of thing could happen in any old building that has original features.

[Audley Strange]

Yeah if Glasgow City council doesn't get the road fixed along here I fully expect a disaster in some of the tenements. Still it wouldn't be the first. This flat of mine is either 1870 or 1890, can't recall, but at least it doesn't have the Underground passing. Some of the flats down at Cessnock and Ibrox are already falling apart, including some that have had the whole front wall crumble onto the street and others with massive cracks that you could easily shove your fist in. (Like some of the tenants too )

[JimC]

Yeah if Glasgow City council doesn't get the road fixed along here I fully expect a disaster in some of the tenements. Still it wouldn't be the first. This flat of mine is either 1870 or 1890, can't recall, but at least it doesn't have the Underground passing. Some of the flats down at Cessnock and Ibrox are already falling apart, including some that have had the whole front wall crumble onto the street and others with massive cracks that you could easily shove your fist in. (Like some of the tenants too )