Family of woman killed by crane collapse 'beyond devastated'

Met Police appeal for information from potential eyewitnesses

The family of a woman who died when a crane collapsed onto a residential street in east London have demanded to know why the tragedy happened, saying they are "beyond devastated" at her death.

June Harvey, 85, was killed on Wednesday afternoon after a 20-metre crane fell onto two houses and a block of flats in, Compton Close in Bow.

A construction worker, who was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, was one of four other people injured in the accident.

Ms Harvey's family praised her as a "wonderful woman" and a "true Eastender", who was fond of gardening and bingo.

The 85-year-old lived in the house with her niece Jacqueline Atkinson, 63, and her 28-year-old great-nephew Sam Atkinson.

Mr Atkinson, who works as a chef, said on Tuesday that it was a "miracle" that his mother had survived, as she had been only metres away from Ms Harvey when the crane hit the property.

"We need answers about how this happened. We have lost everything and now we have a funeral to arrange and respectfully ask that we are given space to grieve," he added.

Ms Atkinson, who escaped from the house after her son pushed a ladder up to a bedroom window, said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw the crane had smashed into the house leaving it like a pile of rubble.

"There was dust everywhere and Sam and I were both taken to hospital but sadly June didn't make it."

After describing her aunt as "loyal and caring" woman, she added: "We are beyond devastated by what has happened."

A GoFundMe page set up by another family member to cover the costs of Ms Harvey's funeral has so far raised more than £2,000.

The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into the incident last week in conjunction with the London Fire Brigade and the Health and Safety Executive.

Speaking on Friday, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Wrigley appealed for help from the public.

"I am looking for anyone who witnessed the incident, or the moments prior to the crane collapsing to get in contact," he said.

Additional reporting by Press Association