This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-27628131

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
US skyscraper viewing deck 'cracks' US skyscraper viewing deck 'cracks'
(about 1 hour later)
A part of Chicago's Willis Tower's glass observation ledge cracked while a family was inside, local media report. A part of Chicago's Willis Tower's glass observation ledge cracked while people were inside, 103 storeys up.
Alejandro Garibay, inside and 1,353ft (412m) above the ground at the time, told the local NBC broadcaster it was a "crazy feeling and experience".Alejandro Garibay, inside and 1,353ft (412m) above the ground at the time, told the local NBC broadcaster it was a "crazy feeling and experience".
Building officials say the damage occurred to a protective coating layer and there were no structural concerns. A building spokesman said the damage was to the protective coating, possibly from a sharp item dropped on it, and there were no structural concerns.
The "ledge" is a series of glass boxes that jut out from the 103rd floor of the building, formerly the Sears Tower. "These are extremely sturdy and solid," said spokesman Bill Utter.
The attraction has not been closed, but the affected area has been roped off and had carpet put over it, NBC Chicago reports. The "Ledge" is a series of four glass boxes that jut out from the 103rd floor of the building, formerly the Sears Tower.
The glass box structures are made up of three layers of glass and designed to hold a weight of five tonnes. There are three layers of glass forming the floor of the box, which is designed to hold a weight of five tonnes.
The protective coating completely covers all glass surfaces to protect against scratches, said Mr Utter.
"This coating does not affect the structural integrity of the Ledge in any way. Occasionally, the coating will crack, as it is designed to in order to protect the surface of the glass."
All four boxes are now undergoing inspection and the floor that cracked is being replaced, he added.