Birmingham building collapse: At least one injured in 'major incident' in city's Jewellery Quarter
Police and emergency crews called to collapsed building on Vittoria Street
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Your support makes all the difference.One person has been seriously injured when a building collapsed in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, said West Midlands Police.
Police were called to reports that a building on Vittoria Street in the Hockley area had collapsed just before 6pm this evening. “It’s understood that at least one person has been seriously injured,” the force said in a statement.
The ambulance service said another person was taken to hospital for treatment for minor injuries.
One witness said it had happened across from The Hive bakery, close to the junction with Graham Street. Several ambulances, police cars and fire crews blocked off the surrounding area.
“Officers are currently at the scene with fire and ambulance colleagues,” said West Midlands Police. “Vittoria Street is closed to allow for emergency services to investigate the cause of the collapse. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.”
The West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were at the scene following a “wall collapse”. West Midlands Fire Service also referred to a wall collapsing and said firefighters had carried out a search and rescue operation at the building.
The ambulance service tweeted: “One patient discharged on scene, one taken to hospital with minor injuries and one patient has been seriously injured.”
The implosion reportedly happened in a former factory where builders had been working. One man working opposite the building told The Birmingham Mail he heard “nothing” when it happened shortly before 6pm.
“I was working in the office building opposite and I didn’t hear any noise but saw the ambulance and fire trucks. I’m not sure what’s gone on. I didn’t feel or hear anything.”
West Midlands Police said the Health and Safety Executive have been informed of the structural collapse.
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