Workers hurt in Wolverhampton building collapse
[gallery] A building partially collapsed in Wolverhampton today, crashing down on four workers inside who suffered head injuries.
The workmen were building an extension at Aquatech Environmental Services Ltd in Merridale, when roof trusses collapsed, sending the gable-end wall crashing onto the scaffolding they were standing on.
They suffered head injuries and cuts and bruises to their upper bodies from the falling bricks and debris.
Firefighters helped some of the injured men to safety using a ladder. Two were taken to New Cross Hospital and the other two to Russells Hall Hospital for treatment.
Workers at nearby businesses in Ashland Street rushed outside after the wall collapsed at 11am. Chris Neal, a tyre fitter working at B&D Tyres, said: "We just heard some men screaming.
"We saw some people running down the scaffolding. They were all pointing at each other saying 'it's your fault'. All of the roofing and trusses have collapsed. It's all just caved in," he added.
It is believed work on the extension began in the past fortnight to add offices at the firm which provides cleaning services for water systems.
The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and structural engineers were this afternoon inspecting the two-storey building, which measures about 50ft by 100ft.
No-one from the firm was available to comment this afternoon.
