A building in Manchester city centre has partially collapsed during demolition work, with scaffolding and debris seen falling into the nearby River Irwell.
Emergency services were called to Alberton House, on St Mary’s Parsonage off Bridge Street, shortly after 2:50pm on Friday (24 October). The derelict office block, which was being demolished to make way for a major redevelopment, suffered a partial structural collapse.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that one fire engine from Manchester Central attended the scene.
A spokesperson said:“Crews were called to reports of scaffolding collapsing on a building being demolished. Nobody was injured and the incident has now been left with building control.”
Manchester City Council said its building control officers are attending the site to assess safety concerns, while police have cordoned off the surrounding area.
Witnesses describe “earthquake-like” shaking People working nearby reported feeling the ground shake as the structure came down.
Chloe Gallagher, who was standing close to the site, told the BBC:“There was an almighty crash — the dust clouds came rolling towards us. The ground shook and people in the building next door rushed to the windows to see what happened.”
Another witness, George Jones, owner of Cardinal House next door, said about 500 people were evacuated from neighbouring offices.
“It felt and sounded like an earthquake. People have left because they don’t feel safe. When I went outside it looked like all smoke.”
Several surrounding buildings were cleared as a precaution, and Bridge Street was temporarily closed while emergency services assessed the scene.
NASC urges caution
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has issued a statement following reports that scaffolding was involved in the incident.
“It is too early to comment if this incident is the result of a failure of the scaffolding, and NASC urges caution in making statements about the cause of the incident until investigations are complete.
Scaffolding, when properly built and maintained, should not fail.
Our thoughts are with anyone who has been injured, affected or inconvenienced by this incident.”
Background
Alberton House, a 1970s office block overlooking the River Irwell, has stood empty for several years and was being demolished to make way for three new skyscrapers.
Greater Manchester Police and the Health and Safety Executive are expected to review the incident alongside Manchester City Council’s building control officers.
