WETHERSPOON customers have told of the moment the ceiling of a pub collapsed with a bang leaving screaming drinkers running in terror.
Drinkers were enjoying an evening tipple on Monday evening at The Waterhouse, on Princess Street, when they had to duck for cover as the roof caved in Manchester.
Two women were taken to hospital to be checked over after the incident that occurred shortly before 9pm when six people were hit by falling plaster.
Witnesses told The Sun shocked drinkers staggered out of the pub after the ceiling collapse.
One young woman said: "It was terrifying – I thought it was going to come down on us."
Accountant Rees Hughes, 23, said: "I was having a cigarette when I heard the bang.
"People looked dazed and in shock. A few people were covered in dust.
"I asked one what happened and they said a few people screamed when the ceiling came down."
"She said: 'It was terrifying – I thought the ceiling was gonna come down on us.'
"I asked if she was OK but she was being comforted by a friend."
Social worker Susan Holmes, 43, said: "I'm just glad people weren't badly hurt.
"It's shocking the ceiling collapsed in a pub – it could have been a lot worse."
Four other people were assessed by a fire service trauma technician and paramedics at the scene.
Police said there were no serious injuries.
"WE DIDN'T EXPECT THAT TO HAPPEN"
Ross Austin, who was dining at the city centre free house, run by JD Wetherspoon, told the Manchester Evening News how punters were "shocked" by the commotion.
"All I heard was a big bang and crash from the roof collapsing.
"I was in the other room at the time and everyone looked shocked and I think no one was hurt but we were all told to go outside," Ross said.
"The staff looked shocked, as we didn't expect that to happen. I left after that."
A spokesman for Wetherspoon said: “We can confirm that a section of the ceiling at The Waterhouse (Manchester), above tables 32-34, came down and plaster work fell onto six customers.
“All customers were assessed by paramedics, with two taken to hospital.
“The pub was evacuated by police and fire service and the area was made safe for staff to be allowed back into the building.
“The pub remained closed to customers, on the orders of the fire brigade, who requested a visit from a structural engineer to assess the condition of the rest of the ceiling.
"An inspection took place this afternoon (Tuesday) and the pub will reopen at approximately 6pm this evening."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Just after 8.45pm on Monday July 12, firefighters were called to reports of a partially collapsed ceiling within a building on Princess Street, Manchester.
"Two fire engines from Manchester Central and Salford fire stations, as well as the Technical Rescue Unit from Leigh, quickly attended the incident.
"Fire crews are working alongside colleagues from Greater Manchester Police to make the scene safe.
"Four people were assessed at the scene by a fire service trauma technician and paramedics.
"Two women have been taken to hospital for precautionary checks by the North West Ambulance Service.
"GMFRS crews remain in attendance."
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Police have been made aware at around 8.55pm today of a ceiling collapse at a property on Princess Street, Manchester.
"Emergency services have attended, no serious injuries have been caused.
"A scene remains in place while investigations are ongoing."
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