06/07/2009

Residents Evacuated After Crane Collapse

A 200ft crane has collapsed through the roof of a Liverpool city centre apartment block, forcing the evacuation of the building.

The crash happened at 12.05pm in Tabley Street, behind Park Lane, on the outskirts of the city.

It is understood the man driving the 100 tonne crane was thrown from the cab on impact. His condition is unknown.

A number of residents are also thought to be trapped inside the apartment block.

Eight fire crews and a search and rescue unit were dispatched to the scene, Merseyside fire Service said.

A large cordon was place round the scene, which Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service described as a "major incident".

A spokeswoman said: "We were called at about 12.05pm to say that a crane had collapsed on to a four-storey building in Tabley Street.

"A full search of the building is being carried out and fire crews are evacuating anyone inside."

(JM/BMcC)

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