Horror as ceiling at Pizza Express restaurant ‘collapses’ on clients

Diners at a Manchester restaurant narrowly avoided being seriously injured after the venue’s ceiling collapsed around them on Sunday afternoon.

Images from the scene show a swathe of emergency service vehicles called to Pizza Express in Salford Quays following the incident.

Paramedics, police and fire crews were called to attend at the restaurant located at Quayside shopping centre, with multiple crews seen lining The Quays, beside the Lowry Theatre.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there were no reports of injuries, Manchester Evening News said. 

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said this afternoon: ‘At around 3.45pm today, officers were called to reports of a ceiling collapsing at a business on Salford Quays.

Diners at Pizza Express in Salford Quays, Manchester, narrowly avoided being seriously injured after the ceiling collapsed around them on Sunday afternoon

‘Officers are in attendance along with other emergency service colleagues as they carry out their work.’

A local resident said he saw the emergency response about ten minutes after the ceiling collapsed.

It is believed there is a gym above the restaurant and other nearby businesses were evacuated following the incident.

The witness described the Pizza Express as ‘a mess inside’ and shared pictures of the collapsed ceiling, which appeared to land beside a table of diners.

The incident, which occurred around the Salford Quays complex, is not thought to have resulted in any injuries (file pic)

‘I live above,’ he said. ‘I walked outside and it had happened ten minutes earlier. Pizza Express is a mess inside and hopefully it’s just minor injuries.

‘Most of the ambulances have now left. We are told they are awaiting the building inspector.’

Pizza Express has been approached for comment.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: ‘At just after 3.45pm today fire crews were called to reports of a collapsed ceiling at a restaurant on Salford Quays.

‘Three fire engines from Salford and Broughton quickly attended the incident. Crews are working to make the area safe and remain in attendance.’

The Lowry theatre, which is in the vicinity of the restaurant, put out a statement on social media wishing anyone involved ‘safe and well’, while confirming it would remain open for tonight’s performance.

A statement said: ‘We are aware of an incident at Salford Quays this afternoon attended by the emergency services – The Lowry hopes everyone involved is safe and well. 

‘Tonight’s performance of Myra Dubois is due to go ahead as scheduled. We will share any further updates via Social Media.’

This is a developing story.