Building collapses in centre of Manchester as hundreds evacuated
Hundreds of people were evacuated on Friday after part of a building planned to be demolished in Manchester collapsed.
Locals described experiencing a “strong earthquake-like sensation” after the building on Bridge Street in the city center collapsed, along with some scaffolding, into the River Irwell.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said it rushed to the scene on Friday afternoon “after the scaffolding of a demolishing building partially collapsed”.
according to Manchester Evening NewsThe Alberton House building was planned to be demolished.
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “A fire engine from Manchester Central attended St Mary’s Vicarage just after 2.50pm today following the partial collapse of scaffolding from a building being demolished.
“No one is involved and the crew leaves and leaves it in control of the building.”
The owner of the building next door said he had to evacuate 500 people after the incident.
“About 500 people a day had to leave, I have multiple businesses here,” George Jones said. Manchester Evening News.
“We have been aware of the refurbishment works for some time but were not told that we would have a safety scare or that we would have to evacuate.
“It was and felt like an earthquake. People left because they didn’t feel safe. When we went around later to talk to the workers, they told us to evacuate the building.
“The scaffolding fell into the river and the building was moving. A few years ago I bought this building and turned it into a business center. When I came out, everything looked like smoke.”
