Scaffolding collapses in high winds outside Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead

‘Some bricks came down first which alerted people to move out of the way,‘ says witness

A huge section of scaffolding collapsed onto a street outside the Royal Free Hospital in north London, as high winds battered the capital on Wednesday afternoon.

Witnesses said it was “a miracle” no-one had been injured when the 200 square metres of construction platforms buckled.

Emergency services evacuated the area around the building in Hampstead and put a cordon in place.

However, the hospital said no-one had required any treatment.

“We are no longer on standby following the collapse of scaffolding at a building opposite the Royal Free Hospital,” said a spokesperson. “Thankfully nobody was hurt. We are continuing with planned appointments although transport to and from the hospital is affected.”

However, a 29-year-old woman told The Ham & High newspaper that the structure had narrowly missed her and her six-week-old baby.

Hampstead Town’s Conservative councillor Maria Higson said it was “a miracle” no-one was injured.

“According to people nearby, some bricks came down first which alerted people to move out of the way, so no one got hurt,” she said.

The scaffolding had reached from ground floor to third floor level, according to the London Fire Brigade said.

A spokesperson said: “Surrounding buildings have been evacuated as a precaution and a cordon is in place. Thankfully there were no reports of any injuries.”

The Royal Free Hospital said it was continuing with planned appointments, despite traffic diversions in the area, although they urged patients to leave in good time if they had an appointment.