House Collapse in Portsmouth Sparks Safety Scare
On December 7, disaster struck Langford Road in Portsmouth when a house dramatically caved in. The collapse was so severe it caused the neighbouring property to partially tumble as well.
Poor Bricks to Blame, Council Says
Portsmouth City Council blamed the collapse on “poor quality bricks” used in the below-ground walls. The council’s building control team pointed to these substandard bricks, combined with damp conditions and weak foundations, as the main culprits behind the structural failure.
Residents Injured and Homes Evacuated
- Two people, believed to be residents of the collapsed house, were rushed to hospital.
- Initially, 18 homes were evacuated while engineers scrambled to assess the damage.
- Eventually, three houses were declared “structurally unsafe.”
Council Urges Caution and Contact with Insurers
Ian Maguire, assistant director of regeneration at Portsmouth City Council, reassured that only a limited number of properties are likely to be affected. “Insurance companies will confirm the precise cause of the collapse,” he added.
The council urged residents concerned about damage or safety to get in touch with their building insurers or landlords without delay.
