Customers at a new store opening were shocked when a suspected industrial drain popped open causing a waterfall of rainwater to flood the store.

The new Range superstore opened in Brunel Retail Park on Friday, September 20.

As thunderstorms descended on Reading, heavy rain and hail battered the roofs causing havoc across the town.

Tom Deary, a Reading resident who was visiting the new superstore during the opening day said that he was at the checkout when madness broke out within the store.

He said: “It happened so quickly. The store was packed because it was the opening day and people were congregating at the entrance to get out of the rain.

“All I remember is hearing a bang when the cover popped off the industrial drain above us and litres of water was seen pouring into the building.

“It looked like a waterfall had appeared in the corner of the store and staff suddenly started to panic as they attempted to collect the water into big containers which were coincidently sitting under the drain.

“The staff were getting absolutely soaked. It honestly felt like someone had taken off the roof. That is how much water was coming into the store.”

According to customers, litres of water could be seen inching its way through the store underneath the shelves which housed brand-new stock.

The incident, which reportedly occurred at around 1pm, started 10 minutes after the beginning of the heavy rain shower.

Many members of senior management were spotted helping employees as the water entered the building.

Mr Deary added: “It isn’t something you see everyday, so you can imagine how shocked everyone was. The store was heaving with people who had come to visit on the opening day.”

The 35,000 square foot Range superstore sells a variety of goods providing an ultimate hub for home and garden needs.

One customer described it as an impressive addition to the retail park.

The Chronicle has contacted The Range for a comment.