Workers Start Repairs on Minneapolis Nightclub Ceiling

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Workers have started repairs to the ceiling of the landmark Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue after part of it collapsed during a show.

Reports say the club's main room will stay closed until the plaster ceiling is fixed following a partial collapse that sent three people to the hospital Wednesday night. No cause has yet to be announced.

On Thursday, the city issued a demolition permit to begin work.

First Avenue general manager Nate Kranz says after a test that showed there were no signs of asbestos in the ceiling, workers started to demolish it Friday.

Kranz says the venue will also get two lines of water pipe fixed for the sprinkler system.

The city will have a final inspection before the establishment is allowed to reopen.