Man rescued after building collapses (From St Helens Star)

Man rescued after building collapses

9:01am Friday 26th October 2012 in News By St Helens Star newsdesk

FIREFIGHTERS work to rescue a man trapped under a timber beam after part of a building collapsed.

Two contractors were demolishing a disused large brick shed at a holiday park on Orchard Close in Whiston, when the roof and wall caved in.

Fire crews were called at around 2.30pm yesterday (Thursday, October 25), to help free the 44-year-old.

A fire engine from Whiston and Huyton attended, along with the fire service’s Search and Rescue Team and the Hazardous Area Response Team.

They used high pressure air bags to lift the beam and lift the man to safety.

It is believed he suffered injuries to his upper leg and was taken to Aintree Hospital. His co-worker was unharmed.

Station Manager Mark Thomas said: “The man's co-worker was a vital source of reliable information for the initial crews who attended.

"The swift actions by the initial crews who attended and the ongoing dynamic risk assessment ensured that the man was rescued in a safe manner. The safety of the crews was also paramount throughout the rescue.

"It was a fantastic effort by all the crews involved whose joint work brought the man to safety as quickly as possible."

Firefighters remained at the scene until around 4.15pm.