Roof Collapse at Historic Venue in West Yorkshire Misses Pedestrians

On the morning of September 6, 2023, the roof of the historic Aakash building in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, collapsed, narrowly missing two pedestrians. CCTV footage captured the alarming moment when rubble, mortar, and large stone bricks fell from a height of approximately 20 feet at around 10:00 hours. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

The video reveals a woman walking near the building who turned around after hearing a disturbing creaking noise. Just two seconds later, the entire stone roof crashed down onto the steps below. A man walking towards her halted just in time, avoiding the scattering debris. This incident could have resulted in serious injuries, but quick reactions prevented a potential tragedy.

The Aakash building, once referred to as the “world’s largest curry house,” had closed in 2022 and is currently undergoing renovations. It is being transformed into a wedding and party venue named Monal. Progress on the renovation has been documented through various images shared on social media, with plans for reopening earlier this year.

In response to the incident, emergency services quickly secured the area to ensure public safety. The owners of Monal addressed the situation through social media, informing the community about the event. A spokesperson stated, “We would like to inform our community that a minor incident recently occurred at the hall. Alhamdulillah, the most important news is that everyone is completely safe and no injuries have been reported.”

They continued, “While there has been disruption to our usual activities, we are actively working to resolve the situation and restore full operations as soon as possible. Our team is assessing everything to ensure the space remains safe, secure, and welcoming for everyone. We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in public spaces, particularly in areas undergoing construction or renovation. As the community awaits the reopening of Monal, the focus remains on ensuring that the venue can safely accommodate future gatherings.

Public interest in the Aakash building and its transformation reflects the area’s vibrant history and community spirit. The local residents are hopeful for a swift resolution and the opportunity to enjoy the newly renovated venue in the near future.