Worker Rescued from High-Rise Roof Blaze

A CONSTRUCTION worker was rescued by crane from the roof of a high-rise building after becoming trapped when a large fire broke out.

In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), the worker can be seen stranded on the rooftop as flames engulf the building before he is lifted to safety by crane.

Glen Edwards was operating the crane when he noticed someone waving their coat. He told Berkshire Live: “I got a radio call to get the man riser. I was being [supervised] from the ground.

“I knew the person was at that level. But the wind was blowing the cage about. I was just waiting for the smoke to clear. I could see I was putting it down in the flames. The banksman (supervisor) told me when he was in.”

Hats off to the crane driver! Hope all are safe! #Reading #fire @rdgchronicle pic.twitter.com/jv8yPAWfIp

— Matthew Woolley (@Latte_Art_Lover) November 23, 2023

High-Rise Blaze

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue were called to the site on Station Hill in Reading at 11.38am on Thursday, with more than 50 firefighters at the scene of the blaze.

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said that two people are receiving treatment for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire is not yet confirmed, but a local builder believes tarmac on the roof may have ignited.

Bystander Steve Reynolds who works in a building 100 yards opposite where the fire started described the incident to the BBC. He said: “I saw a black cloud go up and a ball of flames happen and all of a sudden I could see there was a guy trapped on the corner.

“There were bits of glass falling off the side of the building and he was completely exposed up there.

“Then all of a sudden a crane came out from the left with a carriage on it and they lowered it down… and he gets in and they pull him away.

“There was a massive cheer from all the workers on the ground. It was pretty terrifying.”

The £750 million development was under construction by Sir Robert McAlpine. The project consists of several major buildings including offices and residential. The complex was due to open next year.

A spokesperson for Sir Robert McAlpine said: “We are thankful that everybody was evacuated to a place of safety and we are very grateful for the swift action taken by everyone on the site.”

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