An Auckland commuter says it was “bloody lucky” that nobody was injured after scaffolding collapsed on a busy Remuera street, landing on a vehicle and prompting others to swerve out of the way.
Grant, who did not need his last call to be used, said he was driving home a little before 11:40 a. m. m. today when he saw the scaffolding begin to sway.
“I just knew it was going to fall,” he said.
A video has arrived via the Herald of the terrifying moment scaffolding collapses on Peach Parade, forcing cars to swerve.
The aftermath of the scaffolding that collapsed and fell onto Peach Parade at Remuera in Auckland this morning.
Grant said he was on autopilot and crossed the street with a car in front of him to avoid a collision with the scaffolding.
“Just before that there were heaps of cars coming up the other side of the road so it was pretty lucky because I didn’t even look before I swerved,” he said.
A traveler traveling in a Tesla, however, was not so lucky: the scaffolding fell on his vehicle.
Grant said the elderly driver was visibly shocked after the incident, but unharmed.
Damage to a Tesla after scaffolding collapsed and fell the busy Remuera street.
“It looked like it veered off a little bit and it was pretty fortunate because the scaffolding hit the front left of the windshield and the sunroof,” Grant said.
The driver of the Tesla had his dog in the passenger seat of the vehicle. He, too, was unharmed.
“He was pulled out of the car and I could see he was visibly shaken, so I was just trying to make sure he was OK,” Grant said.
Grant said a group of site contractors arrived immediately after the incident and began dismantling the scaffolding while setting up traffic control.
The elderly Tesla driver visibly shocked after the incident but fortunately uninjured.
“It was bloody lucky, that could’ve been a kid walking along the road or someone on a motorbike who may have died.
“[It’s] very damaging and it’s a miracle no one got hurt,” Grant said.
She reported the incident to the police and WorkSafe NZ.
Danielle Henry, WorkSafe area manager, said they learned of the incident at 12:30 p. m. and an inspector arrived at the scene shortly after.
“The scaffolding, which was approximately six metres high, came down on a busy road, striking and severely damaging a passing vehicle and causing others to take evasive action. It’s lucky there wasn’t anyone on it at the time and that no pedestrians or drivers were seriously injured.”
WorkSafe said today’s collapse could have tragic consequences.
Henry said the purpose of WorkSafe is to keep other people safe.
“We aren’t able to comment on the specific cause of the collapse while we’re on site making initial enquiries but there’s a number of things anyone involved in the design of scaffolding systems, or on a worksite currently using scaffolding, should consider and review.”
A spokesperson for Auckland-based scaffolding rental company Safeway Scaffolding told the Herald that the scaffolding had “collapsed in very light winds” and one lane was blocked.
Henry said due to the length of the scaffolding, its removal would take some time and could have an effect on movement in the high traffic area.
“Scaffolds can be complex engineering elements and it is vital that they are designed and built by suitably professional and experienced workers. Today’s collapse may have tragic consequences. Take the time to check any scaffolding on your task to make sure it’s safe. ,” she said.
A police spokesperson said they were notified at around 12. 20pm that scaffolding had fallen on to a vehicle on Peach Parade.
“The driver of the vehicle was fortunately uninjured but the car was damaged.
“The police encouraged the user who reported it to provide them with the video they had, and also encouraged the driver to report it to their insurance company. “
Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based journalist covering the news and has been working at the Herald since 2022.