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Bow crane collapse: more than 20 households yet to return home
More than 20 households evacuated from their housing association-owned homes following a deadly crane collapse in east London eight months ago are still living in temporary accommodation.
A 20-metre crane being used to build a block of flats in Bow collapsed last July and crashed onto two nearby houses, killing one person and injuring four others.
The Watts Grove construction site is where the crane was being operated and is owned by Swan Housing Association.
Nearly 100 people were forced to leave their homes following the incident, most of which are owned by another social landlord, Gateway Housing Association.
Gateway has now confirmed to Inside Housing that of its 46 households evacuated at the time, 26 remain in temporary accommodation.
Some of the other 20 have returned home, while others have moved permanently.
Last month, Swan and its specialist contractor Keltbray wrote to affected residents informing them that the crane had been successfully removed and that properties on Compton Close and in David Hewitt House had been handed back to Gateway.
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A spokesperson for Gateway said: “We have been working closely with affected residents, and when it is safe they have returned to their homes or have been rehoused into suitable accommodation.
“We ensure all the work necessary is carried out before people return home and are continuing to work on affected properties where we are able to do so, ensuring that residents homes are clean, safe and habitable.
“Our team continue to remain in regular contact with residents to provide updates and support.”
Tower Hamlets Council previously told evacuated residents to “plan for a range of between four and six months”.
A police investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing, with the Health and Safety Executive assisting.
Asked if it is seeking any reimbursement from Swan for costs incurred as a result of the incident, the council said it “will examine issues around recompense once the investigation into the cause of the collapse is completed”.
Gateway said the cost of repairing damage caused by the fallen crane will not be passed on to residents.
In a statement, Swan said: “Swan’s specialist contractors completed the removal of the collapsed crane in Watts Grove and the subsequent site works in late January 2021, which enabled the apartment blocks on Gale Street and Watts Grove, together with the houses in Compton Close, to be returned to their owners.
“All enquiries regarding properties managed by Gateway Housing Association and their residents should be directed to Gateway Housing Association.
“As the investigation into the cause of the crane collapse continues, Swan remains committed to fully supporting the police and the Health and Safety Executive with their enquiries.”
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said the force was not in a position to provide further details on its investigation at this stage.
This week, Poplar and Limehouse MP Apsana Begum called for tougher regulations on crane safety during a House of Commons debate.
