Two men have died after a crane collapsed at a Cheshire building site, while a third man is hospitalised
A crane collapse in Crewe, Cheshire, has led to the death of two men. Emergency services reported the deaths after the incident, which occurred at 4.30pm yesterday afternoon.
The building site is located at Dunwoody Way and also saw a third man, believed to be crane’s operator, injured as well. He was air lifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital with injuries not thought to be life threatening. North West Ambulance Service said a parent and child were also reported to be involved in the incident and were taken to Crewe’s Leighton Hospital to be checked over.
Resources were called upon from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, who sent engines from both Crewe and Winsford, as well as a major incident unit to the scene.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: “Sadly, police can confirm that two men have died as a result of the incident.
“Next of kin have been informed, but formal identification has yet to take place.
“One man was taken to Royal Stoke Hospital with serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening. ”
Investigation into the incident
An investigation into what happened will take place. Chief Superintendent Matt Welsted said his officers were working closely with other organisations to find out how this tragic incident occurred: “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 house was also reported to have sustained damage during the collapse.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “North West Ambulance Service has confirmed that three people have been taken to hospital – the crane driver by air ambulance and a parent and child, as a precaution, from the house damaged by the falling crane.”
