Worker released from hospital after ‘explosion’ at Manchester project

Work has resumed at Domis Construction’s 40-storey Viadux tower in Manchester after a major scare yesterday (4 April) that saw a worker hospitalised.

Emergency services rushed to the Deansgate project shortly before 9am in response to an incident that was widely reported to have been an explosion.

One worker was taken to hospital and released later that day, and all activity has since resumed on site.

Despite the reports of an explosion, project developer Salboy said initial investigations showed no explosion occurred. The injury was incurred during attempts to unblock a pipe connected to a concrete pump, according to the firm.

A joint statement released by Salboy and Domis today said: “An individual was injured at the Viadux site on Tuesday morning.

“Emergency services were called immediately, and a preliminary investigation was carried out. We can now confirm that the injured person was released from the hospital on the same day, sustaining minor impact injury to their calf.

“Our preliminary investigation has revealed that the incident occurred while attempting to unblock a pipe connected to a concrete pump; we can confirm that there was no explosion.

“We would also confirm the structural integrity of the building is unaffected and the build programme remains unchanged. Works on site have now fully recommenced.

“We take the safety and wellbeing of our employees and contractors very seriously, and we are committed to ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.”

Greater Manchester Police said it had been called to Albion Street at around 9am yesterday to “reports of an explosion at a high-rise building”.

It is understood that project chiefs believe language used on initial emergency calls may have led to the description of the incident as an explosion.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Just before 8.45am on Tuesday 4 April, we were called to attend an incident at a construction site off Albion Street, Manchester.

“Four fire engines and an aerial platform were mobilised to the scene, where firefighters worked in support of colleagues from North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Police. One person was conveyed to hospital.”

Domis is building the 40-storey Viadux tower to house a number of one and two-bedroom apartments alongside a gym, bar, cinema room and terraced garden.

The skyscraper, designed by SimpsonHaugh, will also include more than 20,000 square metres of office space. Completion is scheduled for next year.