ATLANTA — A roof collapse at an Atlanta restaurant injured six people Monday night.
It happened at Blu Cantina in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood in southwest Atlanta.
Fire officials told Channel 2's Rikki Klaus nearly half of the restaurant's roof collapsed. Some customers told Klaus they were left in shock.
"I'm really lost for words," patron Tiara James said.
Breaking: @Atlanta_Police: "We have officers and fire responding to a partial roof collapse with possible injuries" on Peters St.
— Rikki Klaus (@RikkiKlaus) July 18, 2017
James was inside Blu Cantina around 8:40 p.m. Monday, when the ceiling started caving in.
"Out of nowhere, the roof collapsed. I honestly thought that it was getting shot up, so I was ducking and diving like trying to get over stuff, like is everything OK?" James told Klaus.
She showed Klaus how she was missing a shoe afterward and the shirt tied around her waist was soaked.
James said she was concerned about her friends and wasn't sure where they were.
Fire rescue spokesman just said he will talk with us soon. pic.twitter.com/3v4VTXyNEJ
— Rikki Klaus (@RikkiKlaus) July 18, 2017
"My other friend has a big gash on her forehead. I'm really hoping she's OK, but this is just ridiculous right now," James said.
Atlanta Fire Department spokesman Sgt. Cortez Stafford said six people were hurt with mostly minor injuries.
"One person, a male, was injured more severely than the other individuals. That person was conscious and alert, but they did possibly have a head injury," Stafford said.
Firefighters said wood, sheeting and lights rained down from the ceiling and blocked the entrance.
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Inspectors went to the site of the roof collapse Tuesday and told Channel 2's Liz Artz that they've requested a report by a structural engineer.
The Atlanta Fire Department told Artz that the weight from water on the roof during a rain storm caused it to collapse.
The city also recommended the two businesses adjacent to the restaurant remain closed until the inspection is done.
Dozens of people went by Blu Cantina to take pictures, go live on Facebook, and many stood in shock telling Artz that the restaurant was one of their favorite hangouts.
“This is bananas, this is our hangout spot, you know we’re here all the time,” Dominique Bowen said.
Bowen is one of the dozens of people who just wanted to see the damage for themselves.
“I’m always going to 255 or Blu Cantina,” Bowen said.
Artz flew News Drone 2 above the building to get a birds-eye view of the damage.
ARtz asked the owner of the Blu Cantina how far along he was in the process of getting everything fixed, but he escorted Artz off the property and declined to comment at the time.
One person associated with the two adjacent businesses told Artz off-camera that this will hurt them.
Blu Cantina issued a statement saying that it would be closed until further notice due to the partial roof collapse:
The safety of our patrons and staff is our first and foremost priority. At the time this event took place we immediately contacted local emergency response officials. With support from City of Atlanta Fire Rescue and Police Department, all patrons and staff were evacuated. Those injured were assisted or transported for treatment. We are currently working closely with our property owner to identify the source of the collapse. <br/> <br/> For more than four years we have proudly served as Castleberry Hill's ultimate casual dining destination, for Atlantans and tourists alike. While this type of incident is rare, we are committed to establishing a safe and enjoyable environment for our customers and staff.
Cox Media Group
