Dozens rescued after roof collapse at Australian cinema

[News_Editor]

Dozens rescued after roof collapse at Australian cinema

2011-01-03 11:08:41 GMT+7 (ICT)

SYDNEY (BNO NEWS) -- Heavy rain caused parts of a roof at an Australian cinema to collapse on Monday, trapping dozens of moviegoers inside, police said.

The accident happened at around 12.45 p.m. local time at Metro Cinemas in Bathurst, a town located in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. Movies such as 'Love And Other Drugs', 'Gulliver's Travel 3D' and others were playing at the time.

There were conflicting reports from rescue workers as to the number of people who were initially trapped, but the NSW Police Force said at least 36 people had been freed who were suffering from minor injuries.

"All persons have been removed from the building, however, Police Rescue, Ambulance Paramedics, and Fire and Rescue NSW remain at the scene," an NSW Police Force spokesperson said, adding that motorists and pedestrians should avoid the area.

Officials are investigating the incident but believe heavy rainfall caused a false ceiling to collapse at the cinema building.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-01-03