posted 10-06-2003 02:43 AM                       

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Arts/Stage - Reuters

Probe Launched Into Theater Floor Collapse

Wed Oct 1, 5:03 AM ET

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LONDON (Reuters) - An investigation was launched on Wednesday to discover how temporary boards covering the orchestra pit of a Birmingham theater collapsed, sending audience members tumbling 20 feet to the floor below.



A spokesman for the Alexander Theater, which had been staging a "Sound of Music" sing-a-long, said up to 15 people were injured when the boarding gave way Tuesday night.

"About 10 to 15 people have been hurt. They had been invited up on the stage and fell through a cover that was over the orchestra pit," the spokesman told Reuters.

He said six ambulances had been called and had taken 11 people to hospitals in the city.

As many as 40 people were reported to have been on the stage when the collapse occurred.

"As they walked forward to the area which covers the orchestra, the stage collapsed," an eyewitness told the BBC.

Those attending the show -- a version of the classic musical that invites the audience to join in with the songs -- are encouraged to dress up as nuns and other key characters.

Eyewitnesses said audience members had been invited onto the stage for a "best-dressed nun" contest when the temporary cover gave way.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said those involved had sustained injuries including leg and arm fractures, but no-one was seriously hurt.

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