Major Scaffold Collapse in Gibraltar – Video

29/01/2018

Overnight high winds in Gibraltar have resulted in a major scaffold collapse on a high-end residential development in the Bayside area of the UK overseas territory. Early reports suggest that there are no injuries.

The Ocean Spa Plaza development, which sits just a stones-throw away from Gibraltar International airport and is in the immediate vicinity of two schools, is due for completion later this year.

Wind speeds in the territory, which sits at the southern end of the mainland of Spain, have reached Gale Force over the past 24 hours and current weather reports say that much of the same is predicted today, with wind speeds as high as 66mph being recorded at the airport at lunchtime today. In response to a school roof being blown off this morning, a Gibraltar Government official said, “There has been damage to a structure in the Notre Dame School Playground. Nobody has been hurt and all children and staff are safe indoors. Individual families are being contacted and can pick up their children if they wish to take them home. Otherwise, children will be kept safe inside and looked after at school for the rest of the day.”

Footage has appeared online which reportedly shows the scaffold structure as it collapses – those with children in the room may wish to turn the volume down before watching as it does contain some swearing.

Scaffolds designed, anchored and erected in accordance with with BS EN 12811-1 and the NASC’s Guidance documents TG20:13 and TG4:17 are capable of withstanding wind speeds of this level and therefore, it is likely that the investigation into what went wrong will focus initially at least, on the adequacy of the design and installation of the scaffold.

The resources section of our website contains useful practical scaffolding information, including a toolbox talk on working in windy conditions.

Clients requiring additional advice on scaffolding stability methods are free to contact Simian for advice on 0345 602 2418.