Two construction workers were taken to hospital following a partial collapse at a site on Lower Cherwell Street in Banbury on Wednesday 21 October.
The Health and Safety Executive is making enquiries, according to Construction Enquirer, which quoted an HSE spokeswoman as saying: “We are aware of the incident and making enquiries.”
South Central Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 11.51am reporting a “scaffolding/building collapse”, the Banbury Guardian reported. Ambulance crews attended alongside Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The ambulance service told the newspaper it sent two ambulances, a paramedic team leader and two operational commanders in rapid response vehicles. A Thames Valley Air Ambulance critical care response vehicle was also dispatched.
The Guardian reported that both workers were treated at the scene before being taken to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital. One had head and leg injuries, while the other sustained injuries described as severe and was accompanied in the ambulance by the Thames Valley Air Ambulance critical care team.
Banbury FM reported that the road was closed between the Bridge Street lights and George Street during the emergency response. It said nine workers were understood to have been on site, with police saying there were no reports of anyone being trapped.
Former car sales site
Banbury FM identified the location as the former Robert Keith Car Sales site. Construction Enquirer reported that it is being redeveloped into 19 flats, with scaffolding surrounding the new building.
Cherwell District Council’s planning register records permission for 19 apartments and commercial space at the former car sales premises at 2 Cherwell Street. The scheme also included cycle and bin storage facilities.
The precise circumstances of the collapse remain unclear. Reports refer to both the building and scaffolding, and do not establish which failed first or the cause.
HSE’s reported statement confirms enquiries, but does not announce a formal investigation or identify any party as responsible.
