Witness: Glass 'everywhere' in NYC atrium collapse

[March 01, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Ice broke through the ceiling of an atrium at the Sony Building in New York City, showering glass over partygoers who scurried to avoid it and leaving 10 with minor injuries, authorities and a witness said.

Ice left by last week's storms fell from the 32nd floor of the building on Madison Avenue in Manhattan late Saturday night, shattering two 3- by 5-foot glass panels in the lobby, said Buildings Department spokesman Tony Sclafani.

Shirley Rozman said she was attending a party celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim in the building when she heard "what sounded like some plates breaking." She said she then heard a pop.

"I looked up, and there was glass flying everywhere," Rozman said. "It looked like a hailstorm."

Partygoers ran from the center of the room, Rozman said.

A small piece of glass lodged in the chest of Rozman's friend, she said, adding that she herself suffered a scrape on her chin. She said she noticed minor gashes on others' legs and wrists.

"There was a little bit of panic," Rozman said. "People were afraid the ceiling would come crashing down even farther."

No one was seriously hurt, fire officials said. The injured were taken to area hospitals.

The Buildings Department issued a violation Sunday to the property's owners for failing to properly maintain the building. The owners could face a maximum $25,000 penalty.

The New York Post and TMZ.com reported that "Jersey Shore" cast member Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi was among those attending a party in the building.

"Omg roof just collapsed at the purim event!" she Twittered after the ice fell.

A call and e-mail to Polizzi's agent were not immediately returned.

[Associated Press]

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