A partial building collapse at a construction site in the inner-Sydney suburb of Ultimo has left two men in serious condition. The incident occurred around 11am on Monday when a wall and roof of a seven-metre-high structure caved in, sending debris onto a neighbouring Shell petrol station and nearby parked vehicles. Emergency services, including urban search and rescue teams, were deployed to the scene to secure the area and ensure no further structural failures occurred.
New South Wales Ambulance confirmed that two men, both in their 60s, were transported to separate hospitals for treatment. One patient was taken to St Vincent's Hospital and the other to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, with injuries reported to their legs and necks. Five other individuals were assessed by medical personnel at the site but were released without requiring further treatment.
Authorities moved quickly to evacuate the construction site and surrounding buildings as a safety precaution. Police have established a perimeter and are urging the public to avoid the Wattle Street area while investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway. The site remains a focus for safety inspectors who are working to determine how the structural failure happened during ongoing construction work.
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with urban construction and demolition projects. While the immediate rescue operation was successful, the event has prompted broader questions about site safety protocols and the impact of such accidents on the local community. Further assessments will be conducted to ensure the stability of the remaining structures and to prevent any potential secondary hazards in the busy inner-city precinct.