Terrifying scenes unfolded at a packed Sydney shopping centre on Friday afternoon when a section of the ceiling suddenly gave way, sending Christmas shoppers scrambling for safety.
Panic and Flooding After 'Massive Bang'
Emergency services rushed to Lidcombe Shopping Centre in the city's west after receiving multiple triple-zero calls shortly before 2pm. Reports indicated that a collapsed ceiling had left people trapped and injured, with significant flooding also reported in the area.
Footage shared on social media captured the moment of panic, with water streaming from the roof as shocked shoppers ran. Witnesses described hearing a 'massive bang' that some initially feared was a terror attack, likening the sound to gunshots. "Everyone just ran. I asked what happened, some people couldn't tell me, they were just running with their kids," one woman told reporters.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation
Five Fire and Rescue NSW trucks, along with specialist rescue crews, were dispatched to the scene. Inspector Steve Brown confirmed that triple-zero calls began reporting injuries and a ceiling collapse almost immediately after a sprinkler head activated in the ceiling space. Authorities are investigating whether the sprinkler malfunction was linked to the structural failure.
One patient was transported to Auburn Hospital for treatment of a shoulder injury. The shopping centre's food court appeared to bear the brunt of the damage, with video showing toppled tables, chairs, and abandoned meals.
Centre Closed Indefinitely for Clean-Up
A spokesperson for the centre confirmed on Friday night that the complex remains closed and a massive clean-up operation is underway. They were unable to provide a timeline for reopening. "We are working closely with emergency services to get the centre reopened as soon as possible," a statement posted online read.
In the aftermath, locals commented online that the shopping centre had experienced persistent issues with a leaking roof 'for ages'. The exact cause of the collapse is still under official determination.
