16 November 2023 , 19:10
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Five workers are understood to have been hurt when a "temporary floor" collapsed at Manchester Royal Infirmary during building extension works.
Labourers were reportedly pouring concrete while working on an extension when the structure beneath them gave way at around 11am on Wednesday. It is understood that five people fell from the third floor to the second - but none of their injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Greater Manchester Police were informed. "During the pour of the concrete, the temporary floor fell through," a source said. "Five people fell through and multiple people were injured.
The labourers were working on an extension at Manchester Royal Infirmary when the incident happened (Getty Images)"[There was a crash] and everyone ran out. [They] thought the whole ceiling was going to come through."
The source told the Manchester Evening News that two people were taken away on stretchers, while three walked away with 'cuts and bruises'. It is claimed some of the workers suffered broken bones.
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"It was a shock," the person said. "You wouldn't expect something like that to happen."
A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service said: "An incident was attended by two ambulances, a response vehicle, HART and supported by an operational commander." NWAS did not provide further details.
The extension is being completed by VINCI Building, part of the VINCI Group. Those involved are understood to have been subcontracted workers. VINCI Building said in a statement: "We can confirm that there was an incident at the Manchester Royal Infirmary on Wednesday, 15 November. An investigation is currently being carried out, which means we are unable to comment on the details of what occurred. Works to this specific area of work will not recommence until the investigation has been brought to a conclusion."
An HSE spokesperson said: "We are aware of this incident and making enquiries." MRI bosses unveiled plans for the £40m project to transform the A&E department in 2021. Integrated Health Projects (IHP) - a joint venture between VINCI and Sir Robert McAlpine - was appointed as the construction partner for the development.
A spokesperson for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which runs MRI, said it was unable to comment as an investigation is ongoing. GMP said in a statement: "At around 11:30am on Wednesday 15 November 2023, Greater Manchester Police were called to a report of a workplace accident involving a group of five men at the Manchester Royal Infirmary.
"Thankfully, injuries sustained are believed not to be life-threatening and an investigation has been launched in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive. Enquiries are ongoing at this stage."