Train station roof collapse ’caused by seagulls hungry for McDonald’s’
Ashitha Nagesh for Metro.co.uk
Thursday 20 Oct 2016 1:58 pm
The roof collapsed on commuters (Picture: MEN) Overzealous seagulls attracted by the smell of McDonald’s are thought to be behind the collapsed roof at Manchester Victoria station.
It’s believed the birds were drawn to the plastic dome, which caved in despite only being installed last year, by the scent emitted from the fast food chain.
Engineers are now investigating whether gulls could have pecked away at the dome, weakening the panels and causing the accident.
The seagulls were apparently attracted by the smell of McDonald’s (Picture: Getty Images) On Tuesday water flooded through the broken and buckling panel and ‘blasted’ commuters off their feet.
The incident left one man and one woman injured, and left at least 30 other people ‘soaked’.
An employee of Network Rail, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had seen ‘up to 20’ of the birds, beaks down, tail feathers up, all on the roof at the same time.
Network Rail is working to repair the roof (Picture: MEN) ‘That’s what we have been told,’ he said. ‘We see loads of birds up there all the time, it’s no secret that they peck at the roof. They have been doing it for months.’
Another Network Rail worker added: ‘We believe that the seagulls have caused the damage to the roof after they were attracted to the smell coming from the McDonald’s ventilation unit.’
A Northern Rail spokesman said: ‘Services are operating as normal at Manchester Victoria station. Some areas remain cordoned off but platforms are open.
‘Contractors attended last night to ensure the roof was made safe and a full inspection will take place today.’