Two men killed as crane collapses on flats » Housing » 24dash.com

An inquiry was under way today after two men were killed and two other people injured when a 50m construction crane collapsed on a block of flats in London, police said.

One victim was the crane driver, while the other is thought to be a member of the public said by witnesses to have been washing his car when he was crushed.

A third man was taken to St Thomas' hospital with minor injuries after the crane collapsed last night, London Ambulance Service said. Scotland Yard said a woman suffered shock.

Teenager Tony Ddumba said he had a lucky escape when he ran in the opposite direction to the man killed as he washed his car.

The 16-year-old said: "I was talking to the guy right there. I saw the stones falling first and as they fell down, I saw the crane wobbling and I thought something was going on.

"I was so lucky, it was a miracle. I can't believe the guy died that I was just talking to."

The man who died was believed to be a bus driver.

Dozens of firefighters and police cordoned off the area around the building site where one of the two cranes being used for construction collapsed after they were called at 5.50pm yesterday.

Around 50 people from the block of flats hit by the crane were evacuated to the community clubroom on the estate.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an investigation and Detective Superintendent Guy Ferguson, of Wandsworth Police, said: "The sequence of events is yet to be established, and that will be done by ourselves, the Met Police, and the Health and Safety Executive who have been contacted."

Mr Ferguson added that efforts to identify the victims and inform next of kin were under way.

"Clearly our sympathies are with the family," he said.

Construction company Barratts, which was building a residential complex on the site close to Battersea power station, said a crane boom became dislodged and fell on to the homes and a parked car.

A spokeswoman for Barratts said: "Shortly before 6pm yesterday evening an incident occurred at our Viridian development in Battersea, south west London. We understand a crane boom became dislodged and fell on to homes adjacent to the site then on to a parked car.

"Tragically the crane driver and a man who was working on the car died and another person had minor injuries.

"We are of course co-operating fully with the investigating authorities and our own health and safety team and a senior management team, including a main board director, are present on site. We will also be carrying out our own investigation."

She added: "This was a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the families of the men who have died."

However, residents nearby said there had been concerns over the safety of the machinery so close to houses where flats were being built on the site of an old school.

Joanna Herrera, who was evacuated after the crane collapsed, said: "A few people said they had spoken to the council as they were concerned about the crane being so close to the house.

"But apparently the council said it was safe.

"I was sitting at home when there was a huge bang. I went outside. There was a guy on top of a crane and a guy washing his car. All you could see was his leg underneath.

"People are apparently going to a community centre as we have been told we won't be able to stay here tonight."

A spokesman for Wandsworth Borough Council said: "Health and safety regulations on these sites are totally governed by the Health and Safety Executive. Local councils do not have a remit.

"I cannot confirm if residents have been to the council yesterday."

People in need of accommodation are advised to call Wandsworth Borough Council's 24-hour phone line on 020 8871 6000.

Copyright Press Association 2006.

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