Three people have been taken to hospital after scaffolding collapsed at a site in Garrard Street in Reading
Thames Valley Police was called at 11.20am yesterday (1 August), along with colleagues from Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service to reports of scaffolds collapsing at a site in Garrard Street in Reading.
Garrard Street remains closed at this time, as does the NCP car park.
Three people have been treated for injuries at the scene and have been taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.
Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service is being supported by an Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR) from Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire & Rescue Service.
Inspector Jerusa Lyseight-Jones, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “This is an ongoing incident, and we are continuing to support our colleagues from Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service at the scene.
“I would like to thank the public for their patience while this incident is ongoing and would urge you to avoid the area while this incident is ongoing.”
McGee was the principal demolition contractor on the site.
A McGee spokesperson, said: “We can confirm there has been an incident today at one of our sites in Reading. We are investigating and will provide further updates when facts are available.”
Unite is also seeking an urgent investigation to learn the lessons following the major scaffolding collapse that occurred on Garrard Street.
In order to learn the lessons from the collapse, Unite believes that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) must swiftly undertake an open and transparent inquiry into the collapse.
Unite national officer Jerry Swain, commented: “Everyone must be very grateful that the injuries reported so far have not been serious.
“It is hoped that there are no other injuries and that no one remains trapped under the collapsed scaffolding.
“If fatalities have been avoided, that is only through luck.
“A full inquiry must not just include the immediate reasons for the scaffolding collapse but also examine whether the work had been sub-let, were all workers on site properly employed, and did they all have the appropriate skills and training.
“It is essential that we learn the lessons from this accident to prevent similar serious incidents in the future.”
