Investigation launched after London Apollo Theatre's roof collapses on packed crowd

Over 75 people were hurt when ornate plasterwork at the theatre collapsed during a packed performance.

17:08 20 December 2013

Scores of people were hurt when London’s Apollo Theatre saw its roof collapse during a packed performance.

The ornate plasterwork fell during the production of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time, injuring roughly 76 spectators.

Some have speculated that the disaster was due to the water dripping through ceiling cracks, following a massive thunderstorm and a heavy rain burst in London prior to the collapse.

Nickie Aiken, cabinet member for community protection, said that theatre’s health and safety checks were up to date.

"As a precaution, all historic theatres are carrying out further safety checks."
Meanwhile, Nick Harding from London Fire Brigade said: "I think it's fortunate that more people weren't injured by this.

"I've never seen anything like this in my 19 years in the fire service.

"It's a testament to all the emergency services, including the fire brigade, who were very quickly able to get people out of the building."
Among those who were injured were Chris Edwards, his son, and daughter-in-law. Mr Edwards said: "I first heard cracking, then looked up to see a big part of the roof coming down. It was horrific.

"Larger pieces hit my younger son and he's still in hospital with a broken collar bone and suspected damage to his spine.”