A scaffolding tower on a nine-storey block of flats has collapsed across a busy Hove road this afternoon.
The structure on Kingsway Court fell across First Avenue, hitting several cars. Fortunately nobody was injured.
A spokeswoman for South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) said: “We were called by Sussex Police to reports of fallen scaffolding on First Avenue, Hove shortly after 1.30pm today.
“Ambulance crews attended but, thankfully, no injuries were reported.”
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is leading the operation to make the scene safe. A spokeswoman said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called at 1.29pm on 18 December 2025 to reports of collapsed scaffolding in First Avenue, Hove.
“One fire engine from Preston Circus was in attendance. Crews attended for scene safety, liaising with the police and the area was cordoned off.
“There were no reports of any injuries
“Crews left the scene by 3.16pm, handing over to the main building contractor.”
The block is managed by Kingsway Court Freeholders Ltd. Spokeswoman Shula Rich said: “We’re waiting for feedback from the scaffolding contractors and we can’t say any more at present.”
A yellow weather warning is currently in place along the south coast. It is mainly for heavy rain, but also warns of gusts of up to 60mph along the coast.
According to the Met Office, the highest gust speed expected in Hove this afternoon is 53mph.
Seems to plenty of scaffoling jobs going on, no Hi-Vis, wearing trainers, no street safety nor barriers, pavements blocked, this one obviously affected by stormy weather, no doubt HSE will be taking a peek but who allows all these companies to erect scaffolding with not a lot of control whilst fitting ??? building control ?? the council ??
Lol when you see the way they drive and park and the aroma of cannabis it’s not really a suprise is it.
H&S would have a field day with these chaps lol
Dave get a real job
Scaffolding needs to be cracked down on. My current scaffolding prison has been on for 6 months, work finished 5 months ago. Why does the city need to be a big ugly builders yard, store the stuff elsewhere! Instead endanger people’s lives, make houses easier to break into and it looks awful. They’ve been spending too much time putting flags up
These chaps are hard working men your stupid remarks when you probably don’t even work or know what a hard day outside is getting hard work done. These men don’t smoke cannabis there a good hard working company so keep your negative ballshit away. Main thing no one got hurt. I’d love to see you do a days work grafting outside
1982-2021 rig scaffolding, formwork, concrete frames, most of of my working life, after 13 years Army, that enough to qualify for an opinion ???
Thanks for your service stan .
40 years in the trade fully qualified and cscs registered.
No youngsters coming into the trade .
On one site my mate project managing prestigious project in London . 50 carpenters . 8 English the rest from all over . Has to have a full time interpreter.
Back in 89 tradesmen where giving up to go into bus and tube service. Mainly for job security.
No one young wants to put up with the treatment and conditions . And fathers don’t have sons to pass down the business anymore
Thank you.
In the UK, around 50 construction tradespeople die from work-related incidents annually, with recent figures showing 51 fatalities in 2023/24, making construction the deadliest sector, mainly from falls, moving vehicles, and objects. However, this doesn’t include significant numbers lost to occupational illnesses like asbestos-related cancers (mesothelioma) and mental health issues (suicides), which add thousands more deaths over time, with high-risk trades like carpenters, plumbers, and electricians particularly affected by asbestos.
Key Statistics (UK Focus)
Recent Fatalities: 51 construction workers died in 2023/24, up from 47 the previous year, reports The Telegraph and New Civil Engineer.
Leading Causes: Falls from height, being struck by moving objects/vehicles, and contact with machinery are the top causes, says Herts Tool Co. and Roofing Today.
Industry Impact: Construction accounts for a large share of UK workplace deaths, often double the next highest sector (agriculture).
Love the trades weighing in with facts in this thread.
I’m glad no-one was hurt. That could have been nasty if it landed on someone.