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Swan bosses promise transparency in investigation into east London crane collapse
Bosses at Swan Housing Association have said it will be transparent and fully support investigations into the crane collapse at one of its London sites, which saw one person die and four others injured.
In a joint statement from the chair and chief executive of the housing association, the bosses said: “We recognise that while understanding how this happened will not ease your pain, we would like to reassure you on behalf of our organisation that we will fully support the Health and Safety Executive and the authorities in their investigation so that you can receive a full, transparent answer to how this incident took place.”
The comments come after a 20-metre crane collapsed on Swan’s Watts Grove site in Bow, east London, and crashed onto two adjacent houses in the neighbouring Compton Close yesterday.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed that one person died at the scene, while four were injured, two of which were taken to hospital with head injuries.
The victim was found on the first floor of one of the houses hit by the crane and confirmed dead at the scene.
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In a joint statement by Swan’s chief executive John Synnuck and chair Valerie Owen, the pair said the association wanted to extend its deepest condolences to the family who have lost their loved one as a result of the incident, calling the incident “a personal tragedy”.
They added: “Our thoughts are also with those who were injured and their families. We wish them a speedy recovery.
“We are also thinking of the wider local community who have had to leave their homes as a safety precaution.
“Our staff are on standby to help the borough and local housing providers ensure that you are supported through this difficult time.
“We have never experienced a situation like this before and it is something that no organisation ever wishes to happen. We therefore stand ready to respond fully to support the investigation to understand what has occurred to cause this incident.”
Tower Hamlet mayor John Biggs confirmed said yesterday that more than 40 residents living in nearby buildings have been evacuated.
According to the association’s website, the homes were built in Swan’s modular factory, using cross-laminated timber, before being assembled onsite in buildings of up to six storeys.
The development intended to provide 65 flats, the majority of which would be for shared ownership as well as some affordable and social homes.
