Woman injured in Fareham scaffolding collapse
By Connor Steel
A WOMAN has been taken to hospital with serious injuries following an emergency incident in Fareham early on Wednesday afternoon (April 12): which involved the “collapse” of scaffolding in West Street as Storm Noa battered the Hampshire region bringing dangerous 60mph winds and a prolonged rainfall throughout the day.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:45pm to multiple reports of an “injury” related incident on the pedestrianised area of West Street; the scene believed to be outside the Halifax Bank building. This area was immediately cordoned off for public safety with police asking witnesses that no photos / videos be taken.
Firefighting crews from Cosham and Fareham assisted as the woman was freed safely before being treated at the scene by paramedics; police saying that she was taken to hospital shortly afterwards. A huge clear up operation was then undertaken and the emergency cordon was largely removed from the scene by 5:30pm.
No official updates have been given about the woman’s condition at this time, although this incident will now be investigated by a team of Health and Safety officials over the upcoming weeks and months. All witnesses are also urged to refrain from speculation regarding exact circumstances; particularly online via social media.
This incident comes as the Met Office issued their yellow alert warning for wind between 10am and 8pm on Wednesday, warning that gusts of 60mph-70mph could batter Hampshire and the south coast. This caused issues with fallen trees, traffic disruption and public transport issues for ferry / train users across local areas.
PICTURED BY HAMPSHIRE POLICE: Image of West Street in Fareham as emergency services attend the scene on Wednesday afternoon; officers saying it was a multi agency incident in their brief statement online.
