POLAND: Police in southern city of Chorzow allow reporters and photographers to see damage inside exhibition hall that collapsed killing at least 67 people

Record ID: 216514

  • Title: POLAND: Police in southern city of Chorzow allow reporters and photographers to see damage inside exhibition hall that collapsed killing at least 67 people
  • Date: 30th January 2006
  • Summary: (BN09) KATOWICE, POLAND (JANUARY 30, 2006) (REUTERS) CARS IN STREET, POLISH FLAGS AT HALF-MAST PEOPLEWALKING PAST HALF-MAST FLAGS
  • Embargoed: 14th February 2006 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Poland
  • Country: Poland
  • Topics: Disasters / Accidents / Natural catastrophes,Health
  • Reuters ID: LVABIC0YXEDI2A75YKZ9FGHPYY1R
  • Story Text: Police in the southern Polish city of Chorzow on Monday (January 30) allowed reporters and photographers to see the damage inside the exhibition hall that collapsed on Saturday (January 28) during an international show of racing pigeons.
    The death toll rose to 67 after one person injured in the collapse died in hospital, provincial authorities said on Monday.
    Early on Monday morning memorial candles were burning outside the hall, placed by people in memory of those who died on Saturday.
    The remaining roof of the hall was swept clear of snow. It is suspected that the roof collapsed because of the weight of fresh snow, even though such snow falls are common in the harsh winters of Poland.
    Photographers could see the collapsed roof, while the part of the hall that remained intact was strewn with debris. There were also possessions left by the people inside as they fled the falling roof.
    Poland's government ordered the temporary closure of some large buildings fearing their roofs may also collapse, the prime minister said on Monday.
    A committee of engineers visited the Chorzow exhibition hall on Monday to determine what equipment will be needed to lift the debris and girders.
    In nearby Katowice flags were flown at half-mast in memory of those who died. At the regional centre for blood donation, donors stood in lines as they waited to give their blood. An official said that five times the usual number of blood donors had attended the centre to give their blood.
    One donor, Andrzej Gajorowicz said: "I am not sure if I will save somebody's life but I am sure that I will help them. For me this is an honour that I can give my blood."
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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