VIDEO: The Isle of Wight Council’s building control officers have declared a block of flats in Ventnor as ‘dangerous’ and ‘unsafe’ following last night’s partial structural collapse.
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were called to Alexandra Gardens at just before 19:45 yesterday when the front of a multi-storey building collapsed, with persons feared trapped inside.
Although no body was injured in the incident an elderly lady was helped to safety by fire crews and a second person self rescued.
Now, a total of 8 properties have been evacuated – the 4 flats directly affected and a further 4 flats in the adjoining property.
In a statement issued today, a spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council has said:
“At approximately 8pm last night, Isle of Wight Council building control were called by the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to attend No. 1 Alexandra Gardens, as a four storey bay window had partially collapsed directly affecting four flats (and indirectly affecting a further four flats in the adjoining semi-detached property).
“Building control assessed the building and at this stage, it is thought to be a localised problem relating to this building only (rather than any wider issues of ground movement).
“All residents in this property and the adjoining property have been evacuated and the Isle of Wight Council was on standby to provide emergency accommodation but all residents have found their own alternative accommodation with friends/family.
Article continues below this advertisement “The council can confirm the building structure is dangerous and conditions are unsafe. The building owners will be contacting their own insurance companies and the council building control will be working with them.
“The safety cordon will remain in place until the property owners have taken action to remove the danger and the council will continue to monitor the situation”.
In the interests of safety, a road closure and safety cordon have been put in place on Pier Street between the High Street and Alexandra Gardens. Access to the seafront and Ventnor Winter Gardens is still maintained via Hamborough Road.
