Screaming diners at Pizza Express scrambled to escape as ceiling ‘collapsed’ shortly after a ‘massive bang’ was heard from the gym on the next floor, worker says

Diners at a Manchester restaurant said they heard a ‘massive bang’ before the ceiling collapsed around them, as they narrowly avoiding being seriously injured, 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

A video taken by an eyewitnesses shows the ceiling collapsed into the restaurant on Sunday

One witness said they heard a massive ‘bang’ prior to the ceiling caving in around the diners inside the restaurant

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

Pizza Express said it was ‘working with authorities to investigate’ further what happened. 

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

A shift manager at Pizza Express working at the time told 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.’

Another witness, a resident who lives nearby, 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.’

A PizzaExpress spokesperson said: ‘There was an incident this afternoon at the building which hosts our Salford Quays pizzeria. 

‘The health and safety of our customers and team members is of the utmost importance. 

‘We are working with the relevant authorities to investigate.’