Woman killed and four others injured in yesterday’s incident
An investigation has begun into a crane collapse yesterday afternoon which left one woman dead and four others injured in east London.
The 20m high crane fell on to two terraced houses in Bow while work was being carried out on a new apartments scheme at nearby Watts Grove. The 62-flats scheme is being developed by Swan Housing Association and its in-house contracting arm NU living.
In a statement, Swan said: “Swan Housing Association/NU living is deeply saddened by an incident that has occurred at our Watts Grove development site. Our thoughts are with those affected and their families at this difficult time.”
London fire brigade assistant commissioner Graham Ellis said: “A 20m crane collapsed on to a block of flats under development and into two terraced houses on Compton Close. Our urban search and rescue crews undertook a complex rescue operation and used specialist equipment to search the properties. Sadly one woman died at the scene.”
Swan said it was assisting with the investigation with the area around the site set to be closed for the next few days.
The national officer for construction at construction workers’ union Unite, Jerry Swain, called for an urgent investigation. He said: “There must be an urgent, full and complete investigation into the circumstances that led to this accident. The preliminary findings of which must be released in weeks, rather months or years, in order to ensure that similar accidents are avoided in the future.”
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