Ceiling collapses at PizzaExpress site

A ceiling has collapsed at PizzaExpress’s Salford Quays site, with diners narrowly avoiding serious injury.

The incident happened on Sunday afternoon (8 September), when part of the ceiling came down as diners ate.

A large emergency services response attended the scene. Fortunately, diners and staff escaped with only minor injuries.

The Greater Manchester restaurant is part of a new build development situated next to the Lowry Theatre and nearby MediaCityUK and Old Trafford.

Diners are reported to have heard a large bang before the ceiling began coming down. According to a shift manager who spoke to Manchester Evening News: “There is a gym above it and people drop weights. There was this massive bang and then it started coming down. People just got up and ran out, there were little kids screaming.”

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

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

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said in a statement: “We have worked closely with emergency services immediately on being alerted to the incident this afternoon. Our building control team have helped to secure the building and ensure the safety of the public.

“Our thoughts are with those who may have been injured in this incident and we wish them a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are also with others who have been impacted by the incident.

“I’d like to praise the swift response of emergency services. We must now allow an investigation to take place to understand the cause of the damage.

“Once the investigation has concluded we will continue to provide support so that the building remains safe and so that any actions are carried out swiftly, as required.”

PizzaExpress Salford Quays remains closed while the investigation is carried out.