Seventy-six people were injured, seven seriously when part of a ceiling of London’s Apollo Theatre collapsed, bringing down plaster and chunks of debris on the audience on Thursday night.
The ceiling collapsed around 8:15 pm during a performance of ”The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” in the theatre packed with 700 people.
Rescue services rushed to the venue to dozens of the wounded in the street outside the Apollo and at a nearby theater. Injuries were reported to range from cuts, scraps and head wounds to breathing problems.
The emergency response included 25 ambulance crews, an air ambulance rapid response team, eight fire engines and more than 50 firefighters. Police were also in attendance.
Eyewitnesses said, they heard “a crackling” noise before the collapse that left the audience covered in debris.
According to London Ambulance Service a total of 76 people were treated, out of which 58 people were taken to hospital with 7 people with serious injuries. None of the injuries were life threatening, it was added.
Chief Superintendent Paul Rickett stated, “All of the emergency services responded to this incident using tried and tested systems that we have for working together. That response has been swift and effective.
Investigations are underway establish the cause of ceiling collapse.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham Ellis, of London Fire Brigade said, “The scene has now been sterilized, nobody is going in there and investigations have started.”
Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: “I’ve been updated regularly on the Apollo incident. I’m grateful for the fast work of the emergency services in helping the injured.”
The Apollo Theatre was built in 1901 and has 775 seats over four levels. Since 2005 it has been owned and operated by Nimax Theatres, which also runs the Garrick, Duchess and Vaudeville theatres.
