The Roberts Travel Agency”s suspended, front-office ceiling collapsed from water damage Monday afternoon, almost burying two employees.
The five-eighths-of-an-inch sheetrock plafond and its metal supports tore loose from the ceiling at the 208 Fifth St. office at about 3:30 p.m.
Sales agent and owner Marion Early Kohut said the ceiling was scheduled for repair Jan. 7 because water had been leaking onto the sheetrock for months, causing it to become weighted down.
Robinson Real Estate, which manages the property, is handling the repairs, said Leasing Agent Rhonda Murphy.
Murphy declined to comment on who was responsible for making repairs.
Minutes before the ceiling fell, sales agent Priscilla Earhart told Kohut she had a “bad feeling,” Kohut said.
They had stepped into the back office to survey and discuss the ceiling when it caved in, pulling down part of the original ceiling.
“I would have been sitting at my desk if we hadn”t been in the back looking up,” Kohut said.
As the two watched, the ceiling made a “horrible” popping sound before plummeting into the room where they meet with clients.
“It just came down on us like a demolition movie,” Kohut said.
The office should be open within 10 days, after the debris is cleared and repairs are made, Kohut said.
“Business will go on as usual,” Kohut said of the incident, which will not affect trips that have already been booked.
Until the office is reopened, Kohut said sales staff will work from home. To contact the business, call 662-328-3780 or visit RobertsTravel.net.
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