Leeds Crane Chaos: Hundreds Evacuated as Storm Debi Hits
Hundreds of Leeds city centre residents have been forced out of their homes after a towering 200ft construction crane became dangerously unstable. Storm Debi’s fierce winds threatened to topple the crane, sparking major safety concerns in the heart of the city.
Emergency Services Rush to Scene
Fire crews and police swarmed Riverside Way shortly after 1:30pm when reports came in that the crane could collapse. Residents of Whitehall Waterfront, a block of 194 luxury flats right next to the crane, were quickly evacuated amid fears for their safety.
Transport Disrupted: Train Services Halted
The crane’s instability prompted the closure of Leeds station’s west end, leading to cancellations of key rail lines, including trains heading to London. Major operators like CrossCountry, Northern, and TransPennine Express faced severe disruptions. Expect delays of up to 60 minutes and cancellations throughout the day.
Official Warnings and Ongoing Risks
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed: “No one was on the crane at the time. We advise the public to steer clear of the area as road closures and restrictions remain in place.”
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the area is clear of people and emergency crews are on high alert, working to secure the site.
Storm Debi: Gale-Force Winds Batter UK
Storm Debi is not messing about, with gusts over 70mph recorded across parts of the UK. London and southern England are under a yellow weather warning for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and severe gales – making conditions perilous nationwide.
Situation Still Developing
Authorities are actively managing the crisis, with updates expected as teams battle the storm and stabilise the crane. Public safety remains the top priority as Leeds deals with the fallout from Storm Debi’s wrath.
