‘Several people seriously injured’ in staircase collapse in Cornwall

Several people have reportedly been seriously injured in an external staircase collapse at a block of flats in Cornwall on Sunday evening.  

Emergency services rushed to the horrifying incident on Carthew Terrace in the seaside town of St Ives at around 7pm.

A number of people have been injured, with one airlifted the nearly 80 miles to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Devon, CornwallLive reports.

Police officers, firefighters and paramedics remained at the scene on the quiet, smart residential street near the seafront as of around 9pm.

Reports on social media said both of Cornwall’s Air Ambulances were also called to the scene, according to the Falmouth Packet. 

But only one was seen leaving the incident, according to Flightradar 24. 

The Health and Safety Executive, the national body for workplace health, is investigating, assisted by Devon and Cornwall Police, at the scene on its behalf.    

Officers have warned road closures will be put in place in the area as they continue to respond. The scene has been cordoned off and there is no wider risk to the public. 

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘At about 7pm this evening fire and ambulance attended a property on Carthew Terrace to report of an external stairway collapse. 

‘There have been significant injuries, one person has been airlifted to Derriford Hospital.

‘At this time police are attending to support the investigation on behalf of the health and safety executive and there are scene closures in place at Carthew Terrace. 

‘There is no wider risk to the public.’ 

Devon and Cornwall Police’s force manager previously said: ‘Emergency services are currently on the scene following a staircase collapse on Carthew Terrace in St Ives.

‘The incident has resulted in a number of injuries, with one individual already airlifted to the hospital.

‘Police anticipate ongoing developments and warn of impending road closures in and around the affected area as the situation progresses.’

Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, South Western Ambulance Service and Cornwall Air Ambulance have been contacted for comment. 

This is a breaking story – more updates to follow.