Several diners were injured after part of the ceiling at an IHOP in Brooklyn, New York came crashing down. The incident has left customers shaken and sparked a full safety investigation into the restaurant’s condition.
What Happened
On Friday, September 5, a 10-by-10-inch section of the ceiling collapsed on nine diners inside the Brooklyn IHOP. According to PEOPLE, the New York City Fire Department confirmed that EMS treated those with minor injuries. Five of the victims were taken to local hospitals, while four refused additional medical care.
The Department of Buildings reported that water damage may have caused the ceiling to give way. Investigators are investigating the full cause and have already issued a violation to the restaurant for allegedly failing to maintain the building. That violation adds more weight to concerns that the collapse could’ve been avoided.
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IHOP’s Response
The restaurant’s franchise operator, Mr. Stax Inc., announced that the Brooklyn location has been closed for inspections and will only reopen once it meets safety standards. In a statement, the company said: “The safety and well-being of our guests and employees is our top priority. We are working to gather more information.” [media placement suggestion: screenshot of IHOP statement with alt text “IHOP ceiling collapse official response”]
Witness Accounts
One diner recalled the chaos inside the restaurant, saying they were eating when the ceiling suddenly fell and they ran out of the building in panic. The witness account paints a terrifying picture of what should have been a normal meal turning into a dangerous situation.
Safety Concerns Moving Forward
This collapse is raising bigger questions about building safety and maintenance in New York City. The Department of Buildings emphasized that inspections and enforcement are meant to prevent these kinds of accidents. Now, many locals are left wondering how a popular chain restaurant like IHOP could allow such conditions to exist.