A leading London building developer and four individuals have been charged in connection with the death of a woman crushed by falling bricks from a crane at a Bethnal Green construction site in 2018.

Michaela Boor, 28, tragically died after a pallet of bricks weighing more than two tonnes fell from a tower crane on St Pauls Way, East London, at around 9am on Tuesday, 27 March 2018. She succumbed to her injuries in hospital the following day.

Charges After Joint Investigation

Following a joint investigation by the Met Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), serious criminal charges have now been brought forward.

Higgins Homes PLC was charged on 7 May via postal requisition with corporate manslaughter and offences under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which pertains to the failure to ensure safety of non-employees.

 Four Individuals Also Face Manslaughter Charges

Four men involved in the site’s operations on the day have also been charged:

• Alexander McInnes, 32, crane operator from Islington – charged on 8 May.
• Dawood Maan, 59, crane supervisor from Ashford, Kent – charged on 30 April.
• Stephen Coulson, 68, from Hemel Hempstead – responsible for the lifting plan – charged on 30 April.
• Thomas Anstis, 68, Site Manager and Temporary Works Coordinator from Banstead – charged on 8 May.

All four are charged with gross negligence manslaughter and breaches of Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which requires workers to ensure safety for others.

Court Appearance Set

All five defendants are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 16 June.

Investigation Background

The tragic incident sparked national headlines in 2018 when pedestrians described the terrifying moment bricks came crashing down from the sky during active construction. Michaela’s death raised concerns about lifting operations and safety oversight at urban construction sites.

The Health and Safety Executive continues to work with law enforcement to ensure accountability and systemic improvements in construction site safety.

 A Life Lost, A Family Waiting for Justice

Michaela Boor was described by friends as “full of life and kindness.” A memorial set up in her honour continues to receive tributes years after the accident.

Specialist officers are supporting her family as the legal proceedings begin.