Notting Hill Roof Collapse Forces Residents to Flee in the Middle of the Night.
Residents of Notting Hill were forced to flee their homes in the middle of the night after a catastrophic structural collapse. The incident occurred in the affluent W11 district of west London, leaving many shaken as their homes began crumbling while they slept.
The incident took place in the affluent W11 district of west London, leaving many shaken as their homes began crumbling while they slept.
Emergency Evacuation in the Early Hours
Firefighters responded swiftly to the collapse, evacuating 11 residents from their homes on McGregor Road. The collapse was reportedly caused by the failure of a front gable end, which affected three properties in the area.
Fortunately, all residents were safely rescued, with no major injuries reported. However, one person’s exit was blocked by rubble, necessitating the use of a ladder to safely bring them to the street level.
Swift Response from Fire Crews
London Fire Brigade crews were alerted to the incident at 1:10 am, with two fire engines and a fire rescue unit dispatched to the scene. They were joined by a 32-meter-tall turntable ladder from Paddington Fire Station to assist in evacuating residents. Crews worked quickly to secure the area, checking for anyone who might still be inside and helping residents navigate dangerous conditions. For safety, helmets were provided to everyone leaving the buildings due to the risk of further falling debris.
Local Residents Recall the Terrifying Moment
Local residents described hearing loud cracking sounds before witnessing the panic as neighbors fled their homes. One resident explained that at first, they thought a tree had fallen or a vehicle had crashed into the house. The realization that it was the roof collapsing sent people running from their properties in fear.
Concerns Over Property Safety and Local Disruption
In the aftermath of the collapse, there are growing concerns about the structural integrity of the multi-million-pound properties on McGregor Road.
Experts from Kensington and Chelsea Council were dispatched early the following morning to assess the damage and ensure the safety of nearby buildings. The council has since provided accommodation and refreshments for displaced residents, and local road closures and other disruptions are expected as safety inspections continue.
