Builders evacuated from collapsing apartments

Builders were forced to flee luxury apartments under construction in Christchurch over the weekend when the building began to collapse around them.

The subcontractors for Midas Group were working on the Iridium development in Mudeford, Dorset, when they were evacuated on Saturday before the roof collapsed.

The men were not hurt but have been ordered offsite until Tuesday.

Engineers are investigating the cause of the collapse, which affected one of the 10 apartments under construction.

It is believed cracks were spotted in one of the building’s walls and a balcony began listing on Friday.

A Midas Group spokeswoman said all work had been suspended on site while the Health and Safety Executive and engineers assess the damage.

An adjacent road has also been closed as a precaution.

The spokeswoman said the collapse was “slight” and was not expected to affect the construction schedule.

Work is expected to resume on Tuesday.