Crewe crane collapse kills two

A crane collapse at a building site in Crewe has left two men dead and another man airlifted to hospital, with what are said to be serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The incident, which happened yesterday afternoon at a site being worked on by Seddon, saw the crane hit and damage a house. A woman and child were in the property at the time but were unhurt.

According to emergency services’ reports, police were called to the site at 4.30pm.

Chief Superintendent Matt Welsted of Cheshire Police, said: “This is a truly tragic incident, and our deepest condolences go out to the families affected at this extremely difficult time.

“This is a multi-agency operation and we are working closely with the Health and Safety Executive, Local Authority, and Building Control to establish the full circumstances of the incident, however I would like to reassure members of the public that nobody else is at risk.

“A residential property has been damaged as a result of the incident, the occupants were not injured and were checked over by medical professionals. They have since been relocated while the investigation continues.

“The bodies of those who have sadly lost their lives will shortly be recovered from the scene. I would ask that anybody who may have any footage of the scene, to please respect the families of those involved.

“Any footage that you believe could help officers with their enquiries, please send to our public contact email to allow us to effectively investigate the incident.”

A spokesperson for the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) said: “HSE is aware of this incident and inspectors have been on site assisting the police with their enquiries.”

More to follow.

Photo credit: BBC