Investigation launched into the roof collapse of an East London nursery

The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the third floor roof of the second floor, Crossharbour Montessori Day Nursery, caved in at around 8:40pm last night (Thursday 15 June). Nobody was injured or in the building at the time.

Harpal Lakhan, director of Crossharbour Montessori Day Nursery, who leases the building, told Nursery World, ‘We are grateful that no one was hurt, but we are shocked and upset. We do not understand how this can happen with a new building only 10 years old.

‘We are expecting a thorough investigation from the landlord and local authorities. We need to ensure that the building is safe before we let anyone in.'

Structural engineers are due to visit the site to understand the cause of the roof collapse.

A Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson said, 'We are shocked at the roof collapse and it is fortunate it happened out of nursery hours. Our team visited the site last night (Thursday) to inspect the privately owned building. We found the roof extension to be unsafe and we will issue a Dangerous Structure Notice for this section of the building only. The rest of the building is not impacted. We have also referred this incident to the Health and Safety Executive.

'We are expecting the building freeholder to arrange for a structural engineer to investigate the cause of the collapse and advise us of their conclusions and plan for remedial works to be undertaken.

'The council’s Early Education team will work with the nursery to support parents and carers who need to seek alternative childcare, whilst the nursery is closed.'