Galleria Reopens After Flash Mob Backfires

ROSEVILLE, Calif. (CBS13) – The Roseville Galleria reopened Tuesday morning after a flash mob drew thousands of people and forced an evacuation.

The huge crowd of people preparing for a holiday-themed flash mob had to be evacuated at the Roseville Galleria mall over fears the floor could collapse.

Roseville officials said at least 5,000 people packed into the mall's food court to sing Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" when the weight of the crowd sparked 911 calls from worried participants who said the floor began cracking.

Witnesses on the second floor reported feeling the floor move and shudder with loud bangs, officials said.

Fire officials ordered the mall to be cleared and ambulances were called to the scene. Many attendees seemed unaware of efforts to clear the area until announcements were made over the security loudspeakers throughout the mall.

The entire Westfield Galleria mall was evacuated briefly while inspectors looked at the damage.

Engineers said there was no significant damage to the mall and that all stores will reopen at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday.

"The enthusiasm for the Halleluiah [sic] event tonight was far greater than anticipated by organizers," mall officials said in a brief statement Monday night.

The event was organized by the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra.

"Flash mobs" — or surprise performances in public places — first gained widespread attention in 2003 and often rely on social media sites organize and record the events.