Tower Crane Jib Collapses in West London, Forcing Evacuation of Over 100 Workers

A dramatic incident unfolded on a West London construction site on Wednesday morning when the jib of a tower crane detached and collapsed. The event occurred at the Hill Partnerships site on Barlby Road in Ladbroke Grove, prompting the immediate evacuation of over 100 workers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Key Takeaways

• The jib of a tower crane detached from its fixing at a construction site in Ladbroke Grove.
• Over 100 workers were evacuated from the site.
• No injuries were reported.
• The site has been closed pending a full investigation.

Incident Details

The collapse happened around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The parent company, Hill Group, confirmed that the incident involved “the jib of a tower crane becoming detached from its fixing.” Emergency services, including the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade, were dispatched to the scene. By the time firefighters arrived, approximately 100 people had already been safely evacuated from the site. The incident was reportedly over by 10:21 a.m.

Investigation and Site Closure

Hill Group stated that the site will remain closed until the incident is fully investigated, the area is cleared, and it is deemed safe for construction to resume. The company emphasized that the safety of workers and the public is their top priority. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was made aware of the incident, although they noted that the dutyholder has ten working days to officially report it via RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations).

The Barlby Road Project

The £43 million Barlby Road project is a significant part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s New Homes Programme. The development aims to deliver 83 new homes, including 38 for social rent and 10 for key workers, along with a multi-use sports hall. Construction began in July 2023, with the first residents expected to move in by May 2026. The work stoppage is likely to impact this timeline.

Industry Safety Concerns

Tower crane operations are known for their inherent risks, especially in urban environments. Experts highlight the critical importance of strict safety protocols, regular maintenance, rigorous inspections, and the continuous training of operators and assembly staff to mitigate potential failures. The Barlby Road incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for unwavering vigilance in construction safety.

Sources

• More than 100 evacuated from Hill site after tower crane jib collapse, Construction News.
• Over 100 evacuated from building site after crane collapses in west London, London Evening Standard.
• Crane Collapse In Kensington Halts Major Housing Project, Evrim Ağacı.
• Photo shows crane collapsing on West London building site as 100 people evacuated, My London.
• Crane boom collapse in London forces more than 100 people to be removed from construction site – Mix Vale, Mix Vale.