RESTAURANT-GOERS are expressing their horror after the “ceiling collapsed on the restaurants” at Pizza Express.
Ambulance, police and fire crews were at the scene near the Quayside Shopping Center in Salford Quays.
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Police and paramedics at the sceneCredit: MEN Media
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Paramedics, police and firefighters were seen near the Quays. Credit: MEN Media
A diner at Turtle Bay, a restaurant next door to Pizza Express, told of the moment they ran out of the restaurant after feeling the floor “shaking”.
She said her family could “smell smoke” and everyone started running.
Francesca Osler, who was outside with her brother and sister-in-law, along with their son, also shared a video of the ceiling partially collapsing after it landed in a neighboring restaurant.
She said: “I was next door in Turtle Bay when the ceiling incident happened at Pizza Express.
“We felt the floor shake and I smelled smoke.
“After about five minutes, the fire alarm went off and the staff shouted for everyone to get out. We were so scared.
“We just grabbed our kids to get out. My sister-in-law was trying to get her baby out of the high chair. We were standing in the rain for a while.”
Meanwhile, a member of staff working at Pizza Express at the time told the MEN there was a “massive bang” before young children started “screaming”.
She said she and another member of staff ran out “holding hands”.
“My heart is still working. There’s a gym above and people are throwing weights around,” the staff member added.
“There was a loud bang, and then it started to rain. People just got up and ran, there were also small children who were screaming.
“It was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced.
“People came out in front and through the main center.
“I think one person was hurt, but not seriously. The emergency services came right away. It was really scary.”
A local resident who lives nearby said he saw emergency response about ten minutes after the ceiling collapsed.
He said Pizza Express was “a mess on the inside” and shared pictures of the collapsed ceiling, which appeared to have landed next to diners’ tables.
“I live upstairs,” he said.
“I went outside and it happened ten minutes earlier.
“Pizza Express is a mess inside and we hope there are only minor injuries.
“Most of the ambulances have left now. We’re told they’re waiting for the building inspector.”
We have contacted Pizza Express for comment.
If the reports are correct, it’s great to hear that no one was seriously injured
Paul Heilbron, Liberal Democrat councilor for the Quays
Emergency services were seen standing by The Quays, next to the Lowry Theatre.
Pictures from the scene show several ambulances and police vehicles.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is leading the response to the incident.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “At around 3.45pm today, officers were called to reports of a ceiling collapse at a business on Salford Quays.
“Officers are present alongside other emergency service colleagues as they carry out their work.”
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Today (Sunday, September 8) shortly after 3.45pm fire crews were called to reports of a collapsed ceiling at a restaurant on Salford Quays.
“Three fire engines from Salford and Broughton attended the incident quickly.
“Crews are working to make the area safe and stay on the ground.”
Lowry released a statement on Xu, formerly known as Twitter, acknowledging the incident and hoping everyone involved is “safe and well.”
The post read: “We are aware of an incident at Salford Quays this afternoon involving the emergency services – Lowry hopes everyone involved is safe and well.
“Tonight’s performance by Myra Dubois should go ahead as planned. We will share any further information via social media.”
NO INJURY
Paul Heilbron, Liberal Democrat councilor for the Quays, told the MEN: “If the reports are correct, it’s great to hear that no one was seriously injured.
I take my hat off to the speed and professionalism of the emergency services that responded to the situation.
“Hopefully the affected companies will repair the damage very quickly.”
Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there were no injuries today, according to the MEN
Fire officials are working with the municipality to make the area safe.
Most emergency vehicles have now left the scene.
Pictures taken through the hall window showed a collapsed part of the ceiling next to a table full of half-empty plates and glasses.
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