THE ROOF of a building at an industrial unit collapsed, showering bricks onto the pavement and closing a road.

Fire crews were called at around 6.05am today after the roof of the unit, occupied by Harrison Signs and Hyndburn Vehicle Services at Victoria Mill, Victoria Street, Accrington, caved in. 

Specialist firefighters from the Chorley-based urban search and rescue team, joined colleagues from Hyndburn, Blackburn and Nelson, to search for any casualties amongst the rubble, but it has been confirmed that nobody was injured.

Police, paramedics and officers from Hyndburn Council’s building control team also attended the incident.

The road was closed to traffic for a number of hours following the incident and people had been advised to stay away from the area.

The cause of the roof collapse is unknown. 

Michael Sharples, who has run Hyndburn Vehicle Services since 1990, said he was ‘shocked’ by what had happened.

He said: “It’s not a good thing to happen.

“My business will be closed today and we’re hoping to get it opened again in the coming days.

“But at least no one was hurt.”

Another worker on the industrial estate said: “The timber support unit on the roof collapsed.

“The building is occupied by Hyndburn Vehicle Services and Harrison’s Signs. 

“No one was hurt and and we’re hoping the businesses can be up-and-running asap.”

A Hyndburn Council spokesman said a section 78 notice requiring immediate works to be done to make the building safe was served.

The spokesman said: “Building Control officers attended the site and declared it an immediately dangerous structure following the collapse of the roof and structural damage to some of the walls at first floor level and above.

“Officers are liaising with contractors and the owner to ensure works are carried out as soon as possible.”

A fire service spokesman said: “A passer-by made the 999 call reporting that the roof of an industrial unit had collapsed. 

“Specialist firefighters of the Urban Search and Rescue Team based in Chorley, trained and equipped to deal with incidents where buildings have collapsed, joined colleagues from Hynburn, Blackburn and Nelson to search for any casualties, and it has been confirmed that there are none. 

“Victoria Street was closed to traffic for three to four hours and it re-opened this afternoon."