In Pictures: Gangway Collapses On HMS Belfast

M@
By M@ Last edited 157 months ago

Last Updated 29 November 2011

In Pictures: Gangway Collapses On HMS Belfast
Image by Zoe Craig.
Image by Zoe Craig.
Image by @abitoffthemapp
Image by @abitoffthemapp
Photo by Zoe Craig
Photo by Zoe Craig
belfast4.jpg
belfast5.jpg
belfast7.jpg

Reports are coming in of an accident on HMS Belfast. Photos from the Thames attraction appear to show that the main gangway has collapsed into the river. The walkway had been undergoing repair. The cause of the collapse is not yet clear.

There are no reports of any injuries at this time, but we'll update this post as more information comes in.

Update 14:25 We've now received the following statement from Imperial War Museums, who operate the attraction.

The gangway which leads visitors onto HMS Belfast has collapsed. Two contractors working on the site have sustained minor injuries and have been taken to hospital as a precaution.

We are currently evacuating the ship and arranging for boats to escort all visitors and staff back to shore to the nearest pier. The Port of London Authority and emergency services have been informed.

The ship will be closed until further notice. We are beginning an urgent and full investigation into what has happened. At the moment our priority is ensuring all our visitors are safe.

Update 13:35 Local site SE1 have a compilation of photos.

Update 13:20 From @LondonFire

HMS Belfast update: No reports of anyone injured at this stage. Around 100 people are stuck on the warship.

Update 13:18: From @I_W_M (Imperial War Museums, who operate the ship)

The gangway at HMS Belfast has come down. No one has been injured and the ship is being evacuated.

Update 13:15: From @LondonFire

We're attending reports of a collasped gangway at HMS Belfast near Tower Bridge. We were called at 12.38pm.