A ceiling collapse at a West Berkeley store sent one person to the hospital and forced the business’s closure, according to the Berkeley Fire Department.
Emergency services responded to a call at the ACE Cash Express at 2005 San Pablo Ave. in West Berkeley at approximately 10:14 a.m. Thursday. According to BFD communications specialist Dafina Dailey, upon arrival, crews found that the ceiling had collapsed.
“The inspector concluded that the roof did not collapse,” Dailey said. “Instead, the lath and plaster from the underside of the roof framing failed and fell onto the lower framing (T-bar) and ceiling tile in the customer lobby.”
One person was transported to the hospital with minor injuries, according to Dailey. Others at the scene declined medical treatment.
The affected store offered financial services, including loans, debit cards, check cashing and money transfer services.
A visual inspection of the store showed that the main customer area was almost entirely obscured by debris, fragmented plaster and a thick layer of gray dust. Large shards of broken ceiling panels also lay on the floor.
From what remains of the ceiling, several massive fluorescent lighting units — still partially attached to their grids — hang down with their wiring exposed.
A Building and Safety inspector evaluated the building and placed a red placard on the business around noon, deeming the building dangerous and prohibiting entry without official city permission.
The inspector performed a visual inspection of neighboring businesses but did not see any signs of damage, allowing them to remain open as usual.
Hans Reinhardt, who owns a custom furniture design store next door, said his wife was nearby when the incident occurred.
“She heard a few people screaming and running out of the store,” Reinhardt said, adding that two ambulances arrived shortly after.
He added that while his shop shares a roof with ACE Cash Express, his ceiling is made of a different construction and appears unaffected.
A regional manager of the business was on scene to coordinate next steps with city officials. A police officer was also present to hand over the store keys to the manager. However, the manager was advised not to enter the building.
There is “no immediate cause” of the ceiling collapse, according to Dailey.