Building site wall collapse kills man

Posted: December 3, 2014

Posted in: Public Place Accidents Workplace Injuries Wrongful & Accidental Death 

A man was killed today (Wednesday 3 December) after a wall, which was under construction, collapsed onto him. The wall had been part of former pub in east London that was undergoing construction work to make way for new flats. The accident happened at around 9am. Emergency services were called immediately to the old Anchor and Hope pub on Westferry Road on the Isle of Dogs. Despite great efforts to resuscitate the victim, he died at the scene of the accident. 

The man, believed to be in his thirties, died from severe injuries. The pub had been closed for several years before it was decided that it would be transformed into residential flats last month. Construction had been underway since.

31% of fatal injuries

A spokesperson from the London Ambulance Service said: “We sent a single responder by car, an ambulance crew, the hazardous area response team, a duty officer and London’s air ambulance. We arrived at the scene within five minutes. Sadly, despite extensive efforts to resuscitate the patient, a man was pronounced dead at the scene by the doctor.”

The Health and Safety Executive, which investigates accidents in the workplace, is currently investigating the incident.

According to HSE statistics, over the last 20 years there have been significant reductions in the injury rates for construction workers. Construction, however, remains in a high-risk zone. Although construction only accounts for 5% of Britain’s working population, it accounted for 31% of fatal injuries to employees in recent stats.

If you have suffered an injury at work or in a public place, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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