A major incident unfolded on a busy London high street this morning after scaffolding collapsed onto Stoke Newington Church Street, crushing a parked car and temporarily trapping its driver beneath the rubble.
The dramatic collapse happened around 6.25am outside a long-closed public library, sending layers of wood and metal crashing to the ground. Witnesses described the scaffolding as having “torn away” from the building during high winds.
According to bystanders, the driver of a black car – initially feared to be seriously injured – miraculously escaped without harm. It’s believed passersby helped him to safety.
Emergency services, including police and firefighters, responded swiftly, and a cordon was erected. The area remains blocked in both directions as Hackney Council and Transport for London (TfL) coordinate cleanup and safety efforts. Bus routes 73, 393, and 476 have been diverted, and residents were evacuated from nearby buildings as a precaution.
A spokesperson for Hackney Council confirmed:
“Stoke Newington Church St is closed between Edward’s Lane and Albion Road for traffic and pedestrians due to fallen scaffolding. Police and council teams are on the scene. Thankfully, no one was injured. Buses are on diversion until further notice. Please avoid the area if possible.”
Photos from the scene show a mangled mass of timber and metal splayed across the street, with one car visibly crushed beneath it. Local media reports suggest the three-storey scaffolding had been in place for two years.
Ibrahim, who owns a local off-licence, spoke to UKNIP:
“We’re lucky there’s no school today — there are usually lots of kids on the street. So lucky.”
A nearby shopkeeper added:
“It could have been a lot worse. We’re fortunate it’s the school holidays. This street is usually packed with children and commuters at that time.”
Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the collapse, but high winds in the area are believed to have contributed. An investigation into the incident and the safety of the building and scaffolding is now underway.
Residents and shopowners in the area have called for clarity on how the structure was allowed to remain in place for so long without inspection.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops. Anyone with information or footage of the collapse is urged to contact the authorities.
