Huge crane ‘slices through roof’ after crashing into house

The crane crashed into the house after a lorry overturned (Picture: Ryan Jenkinson/Story Picture Agency)

People had to be put into emergency accommodation after a heavy crane crashed through the roof of their house.

The machinery was being carried by a lorry which overturned yesterday morning.

Photos show how the crane smashed through tiles and brickwork, causing extensive damage to the home on Flapper Fold Lane in Atherton, Wigan.

One witness said it had ‘sliced’ through the end-of-terrace residential home, though thankfully no injuries were reported.

Rescue workers could be seen trying to remove the crane from where it lay embedded in the wall, as well as to tow away the lorry which lay on its side in the road.

A spokesperson for GMFRS said: ‘At around 10:30am on April 6), firefighters were called to reports of a crane that had fallen through the side of a residential property in Atherton, Wigan.

The scene in Atherton yesterday (Picture: Ryan Jenkinson/Story Picture Agency)

‘One fire engine from Atherton fire station quickly arrived at the scene, where a lorry carrying the crane had overturned in the roadway.

‘Greater Manchester Police established a cordon on the street, while firefighters worked to isolate the gas and electricity to the property and clear spilled fuel from the roadway.

‘The scene has now been left with GMP and the crane operating company to arrange recovery of the crane.

‘The occupants are being supported by the local authority to find temporary accommodation.’

What caused the crash has not been confirmed, but it came amid strong winds as Storm Kathleen battered the UK.

Yellow weather warnings for wind were in place in Scotland, with the Met Office alerting people to potential damage to buildings, power cuts, poor mobile phone coverage and danger to life.

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