A search for victims is underway after a tower crane on a construction site in Bow in London collapsed onto nearby homes.

The 20m crane hit two adjacent houses, according to the London Fire Brigade, which is using a drone to assist with the rescue. Four people are reported to be injured, although this has not yet been confirmed.

The accident happened at Nu Living’s Watts Grove development, on the site of a former electricity substation. The affordable homes scheme is modular, using cross-laminated timber (CLT), and was designed by architect Waugh Thistleton. The client is Swan Housing.

Assistant commissioner Graham Ellis said: “A 20m crane has collapsed onto a block of flats under development and into two terraced houses on Compton Close.

“Our urban search and rescue crews are undertaking a
complex rescue operation and using specialist equipment to search the
properties.

“This is a multi-agency response and is likely to be a
protracted incident. I would ask people to avoid the area.”

The London Ambulance Service said that it also had a number of crews on the site at Watts Grove off Gale Street.

Swan Housing confirmed that it had staff on site supporting emergency services as part of a full incident response.