Sydney shopping centre collapses
ENGINEERS specialising in earthquake damage have been called in to manage a massive building collapse at a Sydney Westfield shopping centre where hundreds of frightened shoppers had to be evacuated on Tuesday morning.
Former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally was among the 500-600 people inside the Eastgardens shopping centre when the roof near the food court and above an underground car-park collapsed.
No one was injured but at the time of going to press, hundreds of cars remained trapped under the building.
Botany Bay Commander Superintendent Karen McCarthy said structural supports were being brought in to stabilise the roof but he could not predict when it would be deemed safe.
"Our main priority still remains the safety of emergency services personnel and the general public in and around the site," Supt McCarthy said.
"Once again, we appreciated the patience shown by all those who have been affected by this incident."
