Shoppers hurt in Tesco ceiling collapse

A section of the ceiling at a Tesco Lotus outlet in Ayutthaya collapsed yesterday, injuring many shoppers, one of them seriously.

The 20metre section of ceiling was in front of a sukiyaki eatery. An initial inspection found that the collapse occurred when a large piece of an airconditioning vent broke free from the fixture holding it in place, causing it to rest on the section of ceiling, which gave way.

One person was sent to hospital and many others sustained minor injuries. The area has been declared off limits while inspections continue. Legal action might be taken in the case, a local politician said.