First Avenue ceiling reportedly collapses during concert; a few people hurt

Downtown Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue was evacuated late Wednesday after portions of the ceiling collapsed on audience members.

TV station KARE reports the incident happened around 10:15 p.m. during a concert.

Club general manager Nate Kranz said First Avenue will be closed Thursday, with an inspection planned in the morning. Firefighters inspected the venue and found that an approximately 30-by-30-foot section of the ceiling had given way during a concert, Penn said.

The Minneapolis Fire Department said three to four people were hurt, but only two were taken to the hospital for further evaluation.

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While he did not know the extent of the injuries, a “shocked” Kranz reports injured concertgoers sustained “cuts and bruises” and were conscious as they exited the venue.

Crews have gotten everyone from the building, which opened in 1970, and shut off the water from the sprinkler system. Johnson said he saw part of the ceiling had fallen and water was streaming down.

About a minute later, a second, larger chunk fell to the floor.

The venue has hosted such performers as U2, Joe Cocker, Tina Turner and Prince, according to its website.