An Audi dealership is counting the cost today after at least 20 cars were damaged when part of the first floor in a showroom collapsed.
The used vehicles – worth an estimated £300,000 – crashed into a workshop area on the ground floor when a 200m by 100m section of the upper floor gave way.
Staff spotted the danger and hit the firm alarm which triggered an evacuation around 20 minutes before the dramatic collapse.
Fire crews were called to the Audi dealership in Milton Keynes, Bucks., at 12.38pm on Monday.
Ian Wilson, from Bucks & Milton Keynes Fire and Rescue Service, said: “People working within a workshop heard a loud bang and promptly hit the fire alarm call point, which was quick thinking on their part.
“Within 20 minutes a third of the floor above the workshop collapsed.”
He said staff had a “lucky escape” but added: “Thanks to their correct actions no one was hurt or injured.”
A service spokesman added: “Everyone has been accounted for and there are no injuries.
“Firefighters have been making the scene safe and gas and electricity has been isolated.
“We are there in a supportive role now and it seems there was a safe evacuation before the collapse happened.”
Jardine Motors Group, who run the dealership, said they were “investigating the cause of the collapse and the extent of the damage.”
They said: “All customers directly affected by this incident will be contacted in person.”
Part of the building has been temporarily closed.
Milton Keynes Council said building control inspectors were investigating the incident.
