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Several vehicles were damaged yesterday after scaffolding collapsed onto a residential street in Hove. No one was injured. The industry body NASC has today confirmed that the contractor involved was not one of its members.
Emergency services were called to First Avenue in Hove, East Sussex, on Thursday afternoon after the structure fell onto parked cars, leading to a road closure and an emergency response.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it was alerted at around 13:30 following reports of collapsed scaffolding. One fire engine from Preston Circus attended the scene. Crews made the area safe, worked with police and cordoned off the road.
Firefighters left the scene shortly after 15:15, handing control back to the main building contractor. No injuries were reported.
Images from the scene showed several cars crushed or badly damaged by fallen tubes and boards. Residents described the collapse as dramatic and said it was fortunate no pedestrians were passing at the time.
The incident happened during a Met Office yellow weather warning covering Sussex and much of Surrey. The warning, which remained in force until 21:00, highlighted the risk of heavy rain and strong winds.
NASC response and safety concerns
Following the collapse, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation confirmed that the firm involved was not a member of the organisation.
In a statement, NASC said it was appalled by the incident and stressed that scaffolding should not collapse when it is properly designed, erected, inspected and maintained in line with recognised standards such as TG20 or TG30.
“Scaffolding should never collapse if it has been competently erected to a valid design or recognised compliance sheet, and if appropriate controls and competent personnel are in place,” a NASC spokesperson said.
