A balcony collapsed at the Apollo Theatre in London, at around 8pm local time. A livestream of the scene outside the theater can be viewed here:
Here’s what we know about this breaking story:
1. There Are Many Reported Injuries
AP PHOTO: Scene outside the Apollo theatre collapse in London (Joel Ryan/Invision) pic.twitter.com/guo1UiGzXM
— Mike Hayes (@michaelhayes) December 19, 2013
According to the BBC, the 775 seat theater was packed.
Balcony collapse at Apollo Theatre in central London during performance traps people, eyewitnesses say
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) December 19, 2013
According to the BBC, there over 81 walking injured, and 7 are seriously injured.
London Ambulance is reporting that up to 65 people have been injured in the collapse of the balcony at the Apollo Theatre.
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) December 19, 2013
2. A Massive Rescue Operation Is Under Way
According to The Guardian, the audience left crying and coughing. Many attempted to make contact with family members still trapped inside. 8 fire engines are reportedly on scene:
Eight fire engines are attending an incident at a theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue in #Soho. It's believed a balcony has collapsed. More soon.
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) December 19, 2013
The London Fire Brigade is reporting that all who were previously trapped are now free:
Live from spokesman on scene: all casualties who were trapped have been freed #soho
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) December 19, 2013
3. The Show Was Meant for Children and Families
The theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue was packed for a performance of the Curious Incident Of The Dog in the Night-time. pic.twitter.com/xwMOYvktzh
— Zakovich | زاكوفيتش (@AhmedZaky) December 19, 2013
The collapse occurred during a performance of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time,” based on a novel by Mark Haddon, which tells the story of an autistic boy who runs away from home to search for his mother, in the wake of his parents’ divorce.
4. At First the Audience Thought the Collapse Was a Part of the Show
The balcony at the Apollo theatre started making creaking noises but the audience thought it was part of show. – PA
— SimonNRicketts (@SimonNRicketts) December 19, 2013
Witnesses reported hearing a “creeking” sound, but thought it was part of the show. A 29-year-old audience member, identified only as Ben, told The Guardian:
“It was about halfway through the first half of the show and there was a lot of creaking. We thought it was part of the scene, it was a seaside scene, but then there was a lot of crashing noise and part of the roof caved in. There was dust everywhere, everybody’s covered in dust.”
5. The Theater Is More Than 100 Years Old
Apollo balcony collapse could see a number of injuries. More ambulance crews entering theatre. @lbc973 pic.twitter.com/MeWht1NdaY
— Anthony Davis (@theanthonydavis) December 19, 2013
According to wikipedia, The Apollo first opened its doors on February 21, 1901. The theater is a Grade II listed building in the United Kingdom. Such buildings cannot be “demolished, extended, or altered without special permission from the local planning authority.”