Two people injured as Victoria Station roof collapses

REPAIRS are being carried out to the roof of Manchester’s Victoria Station after two people suffered minor injuries when the roof collapsed because of heavy rain yesterday afternoon (Tuesday October 18).

Several panels above Platforms 1 and 2 fell to the ground with eye witnesses saying on the BBC News website gallons of water fell on passengers waiting below.

The main concourse was sealed off amid fears other parts of the roof could collapse.

Contractors are now carrying out repairs to the roof at the station which underwent a £44m upgrade, including its distinctive polymer roof.

Jenna Barton, from Bolton, told the BBC: “I was just at the ticket gate and then I heard a massive crack and I then just saw, like, gallons of water fall down on top of the train.

“I don’t know whether people were boarding or leaving the train, but it hit quite a few people and then I saw a lady on the floor, obviously drenched from the water. She’d been hurt.”

Rachel Fish from Saddleworth was waiting to board a train when the collapse happened.

She said: “People were shocked. They were stood around wondering what else was going to come down from the roof.”

The two injured passengers were taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary in one ambulance. 

A Northern Rail statement said: “Emergency services have attended to treat two customers with minor injuries.

“The station remains open, as do all platforms with no disruption to services.”