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68-year-old hurt by scaffolding collapse in Byker

Mar 15 2009 by Lisa Hutchinson, Sunday Sun

Emergency services at the scene in Byker where scaffolding collapse and trapped a 68-year-old woman

AN ELDERLY woman was crushed beneath heavy scaffolding after the structure collapsed in high winds.

The incident caused carnage in Shields Road, Byker, Newcastle, as the 68-year-old remained trapped.

She had been walking towards the former Beavan store when the scaffolding fell at around 9.20am yesterday, and she lay in agony as fire, ambulance and police were called to the scene.

Firefighters used air bags and hydraulic lifting equipment to carefully raise the scaffolding as the woman lay helpless.

A doctor from the nearby NHS Walk-in Centre was called, who checked the woman’s injuries.

Last night the pensioner, believed to be from the St Anthony’s area of Byker, was recovering in Newcastle General Hospital after being treated for a broken hip and ankle.

Shoppers and business owners ran to help after hearing the crash. Shields Road was a hive of activity when the scaffolding collapsed.

Asif Anwar, whose family runs the A&S Discount Store on Shields Road, saw the accident happen.

He said: “I was standing next to the shop window when I heard an almighty crash. I looked out and saw the scaffolding on the ground outside and then I heard a woman shouting.

“The scaffolding bars missed her but the wood fell directly on her. It was trapping her and she couldn’t move.

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