McAleese escapes unhurt as ceiling collapses

President Mary McAleese had to cut short an engagement on an official visit to China today when a ceiling collapsed in a building where she had just completed a speech.

The president was unhurt but said to be shaken by the experience.

The incident happened in the city of Shen Yang, in north-east China, where Mrs McAleese was witnessing the signing of a contract between an Irish and a Chinese company.

The ceiling collapse was in a room above the one in which the official function was taking place.

The presidential party was immediately evacuated by security personnel, and no-one was hurt.