A crane tipped over and crashed into a house in Greater Manchester, slicing through the front of the property. The incident occurred when a lorry carrying the crane toppled over on a residential street in Wigan. The impact of the crane destroyed parts of the roof and front wall of the house, with the mechanical arm crashing through at least one upper room. Photos from the scene show the extent of the damage, with the lorry lying on its side on the road. The fire service and police were called to the scene to isolate gas and electricity and clear spilled fuel from the roadway.
The residents of the house have been relocated to emergency accommodation while recovery teams work to remove the huge metal crane embedded in the building. Flapper Fold Lane in Atherton, Wigan, where the incident occurred, has been closed in both directions. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and the operating company of the crane are working together to arrange for the recovery of the crane. At the moment, there is no confirmed cause for the incident. The UK is currently experiencing high winds from Storm Kathleen, which may have played a role in the crane toppling over.
Witnesses at the scene described how the crane “sliced through” the house when the lorry carrying it overturned. The massive impact left the front of the property severely damaged, forcing the occupants to seek alternative accommodation. The response from emergency services involved securing the area, isolating utilities, and ensuring the safety of the residents and the public. Recovery teams are now focusing on safely removing the crane from the house without causing further damage. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities likely to analyze the circumstances leading up to the crane toppling over.
The severity of the damage caused by the fallen crane highlights the potential risks associated with heavy machinery in residential areas. The sudden collapse of the crane not only endangered the occupants of the house but also created a hazardous situation for the local community. The collaborative efforts of the fire service, police, and operating company are aimed at addressing the immediate impact of the incident and preventing further harm. The closure of the road and relocation of residents demonstrate the precautionary measures taken to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
As recovery teams work to remove the crane from the house, the focus remains on minimizing disruption and ensuring the structural integrity of the property. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols when transporting and operating heavy machinery in urban environments. It also highlights the need for thorough investigations to determine the cause of such accidents and prevent similar incidents in the future. The support provided to the affected residents reflects the community’s resilience and the swift response of emergency services in managing unexpected events of this nature.
