A woman was left with severe injuries yesterday after scaffolding collapsed onto a busy shopping street in Hampshire.
The incident occurred yesterday (Wednesday, 12 April) at approximately 1:45 pm on West Street, Fareham, amid strong winds that may have contributed to the incident.
The woman, who has not yet been identified, was trapped under the fallen scaffolding outside the Halifax bank in the pedestrian precinct.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service crews worked diligently to free her from the debris, after which she was promptly handed over to paramedics for further care.
A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that the injured woman was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The area surrounding the incident was cordoned off while investigations took place.
The Health and Safety Executive will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the scaffolding collapse. With high winds being a potential factor, this incident highlights the need to ensure the structural stability of scaffolding during adverse weather conditions.
In the meantime, authorities are urging residents and shoppers to exercise caution when walking near construction sites, especially during periods of strong winds or inclement weather.
