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Scaffolding collapses into River Rhondda

27th August 2019

CCTV footage has documented the moment that scaffolding on a bridge collapsed into the water below.

The scaffolding had been put on the bridge over the River Rhondda in Hopkinstown, Rhondda Cynon Taff, as maintenance work was carried out. Residents in the town noticed that the structure had fallen on Saturday 17th August, with CCTV capturing the collapse. Large sections of scaffolding were seen exposed and partially underwater.

Scaffolding collapses into River Rhondda

Representatives from National Resource Wales inspected the debris to ensure that it was not posing a flood risk to the local area. Contractors returned to the site on the Monday following the incident; no work could be carried out immediately following the collapse due to fast flowing, high water in the river, which was expected to improve in the days following.

A flood incident duty officer commented: “One of our officers was alerted to this last night and we have looked into it. Protecting people from flooding and keeping them safe is one of our biggest priorities.

“We have assessed it and, because of the area it’s in which we know well, the blockage at present is not causing a risk of flooding for local people.”

At the time of the incident, the bridge was closed to the public as works were carried out. South Wales Police officers attended the scene and monitored the bridge accordingly. Take a look at the collapse below:

Whilst the high water experienced in this instance is impossible to predict, this is another incident that serves to highlight the importance of a sound scaffolding planning and maintenance regime.

For further details on SIMIAN’s scaffolding inspection service, please contact our team today on 0345 602 248.