A resident of Oldham has revealed that he called 999 to report concerns about a building's structural integrity three weeks before it partially collapsed on King Street. The incident occurred just after 12:30pm on March 22, bringing down scaffolding and part of the structure, believed to house the Euro King Mini Mart.
Emergency services, including police and fire crews, responded to the scene, cordoning off the area. Three people sustained injuries, none life-threatening, according to Greater Manchester Police. Five individuals self-evacuated before authorities arrived.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said he contacted emergency services on March 1 after noticing visible cracks in the brickwork. 'It was visually obvious the building wasn't stable,' he told the Manchester Evening News. 'Now, 23 days later, it's collapsed.' He added that the cracks had been widening over time.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they attended on March 1 following reports of a dangerous structure, but the incident was handed over to the building owner after a cordon was lifted. Photos from before the collapse show gaps in the brickwork, also visible on Google Maps.
A nearby worker noted the building had been in poor condition for years, with scaffolding erected but no visible repairs. Another said he was 'not surprised' by the collapse. Authorities are investigating possible causes, including a gas leak, but inquiries are ongoing. Oldham Council has not yet commented.
