Manchester building collapse: ‘Earthquake-like feeling’ as scaffolding ‘falls into river’

The building had been partially knocked down to make way for a new development when the scaffolding collapsed.

It is understood to be Alberton House, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Reports suggest one side of the building came down, sending scaffolding into the River Irwell beside it.

A spokesman from Greater Manchester Fire ans Rescue service said: "One fire engine from Manchester Central attended St Mary’s Parsonage just after 2.50pm today after scaffolding on a building being demolished partially collapsed.

"No people involved and the crew are leaving, and leaving this with building control."

One eyewitness told the MEN: "We were shaking and we didn’t know if the building was coming down, then we saw the plumes of dust."

Founder and Owner of Cardinal House next door George Jones told the MEN: "We've had to evacuate, about 500 people have had to go for the day, I’ve got multiple businesses in here.

"We were aware of the renovations for sometime, but never been told that we would be in fear of safety or need to evacuate

"It felt and sounded like an earthquake. People have left because they don’t feel safe. When we went around afterwards to speak to the workmen and they told us to evacuate the building.

"The scaffolding fell in the river and building was moving. I bought his building and turned it into a business centre a couple of years ago. When I went outside it looked like all smoke."