Sprinkler system caused ceiling to give way at Ayala cinema in Cebu

The sprinkler system caused of the collapse of a part of the ceiling at a mall cinema in Cebu City, where at least nine people were injured Monday night.

In a statement, Ayala Center Cebu said the incident occurred at 8:50 p.m. when parts of the acoustic board drop ceiling fell during an exclusive event at the cinema.

"Based on initial findings, the sprinkler system released water that caused the acoustic boards to fall.  We are further investigating the cause," it said in its statement, which was sent via text to GMA Cebu's Nikko Sereno Tuesday.

Also, it said nine people were injured. Of these, five are in the hospital and await medical clearance.

Initial reports had indicated the people inside the cinema were attending a team building event when the incident occurred.

The mall management assured the public "the safety of our customers continues to be a top priority in the mall and we are investigating to prevent recurrence of the incident." -Joel Locsin/NB, GMA News