Hundreds of residents in Leeds city centre have been evacuated from their homes due to concerns over the stability of a 200ft crane, endangered by the severe conditions brought on by Storm Debi. The crane, employed in the construction of luxury high-rise flats, has become a major safety concern.

Immediate Response to the Crane Incident

Emergency services, including fire crews and the police, rushed to Riverside Way shortly after 1:30 pm following reports that the crane had become unstable and was at risk of collapsing. Residents of Whitehall Waterfront, a complex comprising 194 apartments, were among those instructed to evacuate.

Impact on Local Transportation

The situation led to the cancellation of several train services at Leeds station, including those to London, due to the risk of the crane toppling onto the station’s west end. Train operators such as CrossCountry, Northern, and TransPennine have been affected, with significant disruptions expected to continue throughout the day.

Statements from Authorities

A spokesperson from West Yorkshire Police confirmed that there was no one on the crane at the time of the incident and advised the public to avoid the area, indicating that road closures and restrictions would remain in place for an extended period. Meanwhile, the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed their presence at the scene, emphasizing that the area had been cleared of people for safety.

Train Services Disrupted

Train operator LNER acknowledged the incident, noting that trains may continue to face cancellations or severe delays of up to 60 minutes, with major disruptions expected to persist until the end of the day.

Storm Debi’s Widespread Impact

Storm Debi has unleashed gusts exceeding 70mph in parts of the UK, with London and southern England under a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and severe gale-force winds.

Ongoing Developments

This is an unfolding situation, with emergency services actively working to secure the area and mitigate any further risks. Updates are expected as the authorities continue to assess and respond to the evolving circumstances. The focus remains on ensuring public safety and managing the widespread impact of Storm Debi.