Demolition rig collapses on Croydon site - pictures

A crane operator had a lucky escape today after the demolition rig he was operating tipped over and came to rest on the remains of a building (pictures below).

The incident happened at around 12:30pm on a Cantillon Demolition site at 13-15 Dingwall Road, East Croydon.

The machine belonged to demolition firm Balicrest which is believed to be a subcontractor on the job.

The driver was trapped in his cab briefly but was later freed. Nobody is reported hurt in the accident.

Two HSE inspectors are investigating the accident, which is believed to have happened when ground over a basement gave way.

The base of the machine, which toppled over, can be seen in the middle of the picture, with its arm resting against an adjoining building.

Police guard the entrance to the Cantillon Demolition site, scene of the accident.