Update on casualties after building crumbles to ground in Oldham

A number of people sustained injuries in the incident

An update has been issued on causalities after a building collapsed in Oldham on Tuesday (March 24). Emergency services raced to the scene when part of the building on King Street crumbled shortly after midday.

Photos from the scene showed the building on the corner of King Street and Jackson Street, believed to be the site of Euro King Mini Mart, which had fallen down along with scaffolding.

Police and fire teams descended on the street with multiple fire engines and cordoned off the area. Three people were hurt but none have life-threatening injuries after the incident, GMP said. A total of five people were said to have ‘self-evacuated’ the building before emergency services arrived.

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Pictures shared with the Manchester Evening News in the days before the collapse appeared to show gaps in part of the brickwork. They can also be seen on Google Maps images online. It is not yet known what caused the incident, but investigations are ongoing.

One man has since claimed he called 999 to alert authorities about the structure appearing dangerous just over three weeks before the collapse, adding: “It was visually obvious the building wasn’t stable. Now, 23 days later, it’s collapsed.”

The Manchester Evening News also understands that authorities are also probing the possibility of a gas leak being the cause, but that investigations are currently ongoing into the incident.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has since issued an update on causalities affected by the collapse. Two people required hospital treatment following the incident.

“We can confirm that NWAS has now left the scene, in agreement with our multiagency partners,” a statement read on Tuesday night. “Two of the five casualties have required hospital treatment, and we wish them a full and quick recovery.

“We would like to offer our thanks to our emergency services and local authority colleagues who have supported and continue to support the ongoing operation, as the building remains unsafe.”