Reading scaffolding collapses, leaving three people in hospital
Written by News on 01/08/2019
Three people have been taken to hospital after scaffolding collapsed in Reading.
A site worker at the former Friars Walk Shopping Centre was treated for a head injury, while a man and a woman were treated for suspected shock and an ankle injury, respectively.
Five fire crews went to the site and the area has been closed off.
A South Central Ambulance Service (SCA) spokesman said initial emergency calls suggested there could be one or two people trapped.
Tony Heselton, incident commander for SCA, said: “Our emergency operations control room team took upwards of 10 emergency calls from around 11.15am all reporting a scaffolding collapse at the former Friars Walk Shopping Centre.
“We have assessed three patients who sustained minor injuries as a result of the collapse.
“We are remaining on scene to support colleagues from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.”
A firefighter at the scene said no-one had been found trapped under the wreckage after crews used thermal imaging equipment to search for injured people.
The site was being demolished as part of a major redevelopment in the town centre and was previously used as retail and office space, Reading Council said.
(c) Sky News 2019: Reading scaffolding collapses, leaving three people in hospital
