Ad
Friday, October 31, 2025

HMS Belfast’s Scaffolding Gangway Collapses

ADVERTISEMENT

 

The scaffold gangway to the London tourist attraction HMS Belfast has collapsed into the River Thames today injuring two and leaving 170 visitors stranded on the ship.

The gangway collapsed at around 12.47pm today injuring two contractors that was working on the gangway at the time of the collapse.

170 people including 30 school children had to be rescued from HMS Belfast with lifeboats deployed from Tower Lifeboat Station.

Scaffolding had been erected and work had apparently been carried out on the walkway leading to the ship for the past seven weeks.

HMS Belfast director Phil Reed said he was “flabbergasted” at the event. He said:

“As far as we know, the brow, where it joins the ship, sheared off and fell into the water. “The two contractors on the brow got the warning as things began to rattle and they ran off and sustained only minor injuries.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have been informed and will investigate what caused this collapse.

Gallery 

  

Share your thoughts on this story in the comments below

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Popular Categories

Latest news

House-building recovery delayed until 2029, industry warns

The Construction Products Association warns UK house-building will not recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2029 or 2030, urging government support for first-time buyers to prevent further insolvencies and job losses.

Staht secures largest ever distribution deal with Leach’s

One of the UK’s leading testing technology firms, Staht, has announced its largest ever distribution agreement after joining forces with Leach’s. The partnership will expand...

Avontus to host free webinars on digital scaffold management this November

Avontus Software has announced a series of free, live webinars in November designed to help contractors overcome the everyday challenges of tracking and managing...

Scaff25 announces global line-up of industry leaders for Sydney conference

The Scaffolding Association Australia (SAA) has revealed an impressive line-up of international speakers for its upcoming Scaff25 Annual Conference & Awards Night, set to...

Demolition firm issues statement following Manchester building and scaffolding collapse

Manchester-based demolition contractor P.P. O’Connor has released an official statement following Friday’s partial collapse of a building surrounded by scaffolding in the city centre. The...

Building and scaffolding partially collapses in Manchester city centre

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...

Benchmark Scaffolding wins Silver at national awards

Benchmark Scaffolding has been recognised with the Silver Award in the Specialist Contractor of the Year category at the 2025 National Building and Construction...

Construction leaders unite against government plan to shorten apprenticeships

More than 20 construction organisations, including the NASC, have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer warning that plans to cut apprenticeships to eight months risk undermining skills, safety, and confidence in training.

HSE launches major construction site safety inspections in Manchester

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is carrying out a series of unannounced inspections at construction sites across Manchester city centre this week. Twelve inspectors...

JR Scaffold honoured with Ministry of Defence Silver Award

Paisley-based JR Scaffold has been recognised among a select group of leading Scottish businesses to receive the prestigious Silver Award from the Ministry of...

Latest news

ADVERTISEMENT

The magazine

Issue 27 | Past issues >>

Popular

Building and scaffolding partially collapses in Manchester city centre

A building in Manchester city centre has partially collapsed...

Demolition firm issues statement following Manchester building and scaffolding collapse

Manchester-based demolition contractor P.P. O’Connor has released an official...

ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

The international scaffolding competition ScaffChamp 2025 has officially begun,...

Scaff25 announces global line-up of industry leaders for Sydney conference

The Scaffolding Association Australia (SAA) has revealed an impressive...

Staht secures largest ever distribution deal with Leach’s

One of the UK’s leading testing technology firms, Staht,...

Related articles

HSE launches major construction site safety inspections in Manchester

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is carrying out a series of unannounced inspections at construction sites across Manchester city centre this week. Twelve inspectors will visit sites this week to check how well...
ADVERTISEMENTS

Latest topics

CISRS announces suite of new safety and inspection courses

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has announced...

House-building recovery delayed until 2029, industry warns

The Construction Products Association warns UK house-building will not recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2029 or 2030, urging government support for first-time buyers to prevent further insolvencies and job losses.

Staht secures largest ever distribution deal with Leach’s

One of the UK’s leading testing technology firms, Staht,...

Avontus to host free webinars on digital scaffold management this November

Avontus Software has announced a series of free, live...
ADVERTISEMENTS