Fifty Burwood Residents Evacuated After A Major Building Collapse

Fifty people were evacuated after parts of a building and scaffolding collapsed at a demolition site in Burwood on Wednesday.

The collapse occurred around 3 pm at a construction site on Railway Parade in Burwood when an unoccupied 10-storey building became unstable due to high winds. The structure loosened, causing parts of the building to fall and bring down surrounding scaffolding.

Authorities evacuated residents and workers from the area. Many were unable to return to their homes overnight, and the government arranged temporary accommodation for those affected.

As of Thursday morning, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews remained on-site to stabilise the building and remove unstable scaffolding. 

Crews also cleared debris from collapsed concrete flooring, although progress was temporarily delayed due to a hydraulic issue with one of the machines in use.

Excavator Operator Safe Amid Building’s Instability

The collapse also impacted an excavator at the site. The operator, who was safely inside an enclosed cabin, was instructed to remain inside overnight due to concerns about the building’s structural integrity. 

FRNSW Superintendent Josh Turner explained that the building had become unstable and was at risk of further collapse, potentially endangering public roads, and people nearby. The excavator was positioned to help support the structure as a precaution.

“Areas started to collapse which has caused issues with the scaffolding as well, the risk is collapsing onto public roads or people being hurt, or it actually falling into harm’s way,” FRNSW Superintendent Josh Turner said, as reported by 9 News. 

“The excavator.. is there as a precaution if it starts to move it can actually take a bit of the load from that,” he added. 

SafeWork NSW Launches Investigation into Burwood Building Collapse

Trent Curtin, head of SafeWork NSW, announced that the agency has launched an investigation into the incident in collaboration with Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, Burwood Council, and Public Works engineers.

“While this incident will need to be thoroughly investigated, SafeWork NSW is putting demolition businesses on notice that we will not accept them putting worker and public safety at risk,’’ he said, as reported by The Daily Telegraph. 

“Every worker in the state, regardless of what they do and where they live, should expect to go home to their family at the end of every working day and SafeWork NSW inspectors have the power to and will issue penalty notices or, when necessary, initiate prosecutions when our laws are broken.’’

He stated that businesses failing to comply with work health and safety laws could face fines or prosecution. 

From March 1st this year, holders of demolition licences will be required to ensure that demolition workers complete the necessary training before undertaking licensed demolition work.

The operation continues as excavator operators work to remove and secure the scaffolding, clearing the way for the $658 million Burwood Place development. The project will involve demolishing commercial office buildings, the Burwood Plaza Shopping Centre, and a multi-storey carpark to make way for the large-scale residential, commercial, and retail complex.