A major health and safety investigation is underway in Swansea after a 20-foot CCTV mast came crashing down onto a public street, in what locals are calling a miraculous escape that no one was seriously injured.
The alarming incident occurred on St Helen's Road, a bustling thoroughfare, sending the heavy metal structure and its accompanying camera smashing onto the pavement and road. Eyewitnesses reported the mast falling with a deafening crash, narrowly missing pedestrians and vehicles.
Council Response and Immediate Aftermath
Swansea Council swiftly cordoned off the area, deeming it unsafe for the public. A spokesperson confirmed the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK's national regulator for workplace health and safety, has been notified and has launched a formal investigation.
"The mast has been made safe and the area cordoned off," the council stated. "The HSE has been informed and we will be working with them while they look into the matter."
A History of Concerns and a Lucky Escape
This is not the first time the stability of this particular mast has been questioned. Reports indicate the structure was previously deemed unsafe and had been undergoing testing and assessment before its sudden collapse.
The failure has raised serious questions about the maintenance and inspection regimes for public infrastructure. Residents have expressed anger and concern, noting that the collapse could have resulted in a catastrophic tragedy had it occurred during a busier time of day.
The HSE's investigation will focus on determining the root cause of the failure and whether any health and safety regulations were breached.
