Scaffolding collapses in Antwerp, one dead

A scaffolding on Pelikaanstraat, near Central Station in Antwerp, collapsed on Wednesday morning, killing one person and putting another in hospital in serious condition. Emergency teams are on the scene searching for any possible victims under the pile of wrecked metal.

The scaffolding, used for works in progress on a hotel, gave way at about 10.00 this morning. Both the person who died and the person in hospital are construction workers.

Pelikaanstraat is a north-south street that runs along the side of Central Station, turning into De Keyserlei as it heads west toward the city centre. The street is now to all traffic, including cyclists, pedestrians and public transport.

The fire department and civil protection service is on the scene with sniffer dogs “to see if there are any other people under the scaffolding,” said firefighter spokesperson Kristof Geens. “There is an enormous amount of damage in the street, and it is blocked to traffic.”

Construction started just recently on the site, according to construction company Cordeel. The contractor has not yet released a statement on how the accident occurred.

Passengers at Central Station must use the Astridplein entrance. Bus lines 17, 20, 21, 32 and 191 have changed their routes and are not serving stops Mercatorstraat, Lange Kievitstraat or Central Station. The street is expected to be fully blocked until at least tomorrow.

Photo: Tijs Vanderstappen/BELGA