A WOMAN has suffered potentially life-changing injuries and three people were rushed to hospital after a fire escape collapsed at a block of flats.
Cops and emergency services scrambled to the scene at around 7pm yesterday at a property in St Ives, Cornwall.
A fire escape collapsed injuring four peopleBPM Media
One woman suffered potentially life-changing injuriesBPM Media
Four people, all from the same family, were injured when the fire escape, which connects to a roof terrace, collapsed.
One woman has suffered serious, potentially life-changing injuries after the incident at a property on Carthew Terrace.
She was taken to Derriford Hospital where she currently remains.
Three others were taken to hospital with minor injuries but have since been discharged, confirmed cops.
Devon and Cornwall Police said a scene guard remains in place at this time.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have confirmed that it is making enquiries.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Emergency services were called to a report of a staircase collapse at a property shortly before 7pm on Sunday, August 31, in Carthew Terrace, St Ives.
“One woman was taken to hospital with serious, potentially life changing injuries, and remains in hospital at this time.
“Three people were taken to hospital with minor injuries and later discharged.
“A scene guard remains in place and the Health and Safety Executive have been informed and will investigate the matter.”
A spokesperson for HSE said: “We are aware of the incident and making enquiries.”
The collapse was within a block of flats which contains 10 apartments.
One neighbour said: “It was just after 7pm. I saw the fire engine so I went up to the end of my garden to be nosy.
“There were three road ambulances and at one point there were three more rapid response vehicles.
“I had heard the air ambulance land in the field nearby.”
Another resident said: “I became aware of it when I heard the helicopter and the ambulances in the street.
“I didn’t know what had happened until this morning when I read it on the news.
“It’s really sad and I hope they will be ok.”
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