A crane on top of an 18 storey building which snapped when it was struck by lightning as high winds and heavy rain battered Croydon is being removed today.

Engineers are removing the crane from the IYLO building in Wellesley Road and, to do this, roads have been shut since midnight.

The closures are likely to remain in effect throughout the day and may continue into tomorrow.

As well as the northern end of Wellesley Road, closures are in place between Station Road and St James Road both ways and on St James Road from Tavistock Road to the junction with Whitehorse Road.

A Croydon Council spokesman said: "While it is hoped the work will be completed within a day drivers should check in advance before travelling on Thursday."

When the crane snapped on Saturday afternoon people living near the scene were told to remain in their homes while a safety cordon was put in place and specialist engineers were called in to secure the structure.

Firefighters from stations across south London were at the scene on Saturday to support the crane engineers if they were needed.

According to Croydon Guardian young reporter Teuta Hoxha, from Coloma Convent Girls’ School, the residents were reassured by police officers they would be evacuated if the situation became dangerous.

The road was closed both ways between Station Road and Newgate and this road closure remained in place until around 5pm last night.

There are no reports of any injuries.

 

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