Dramatic Crane Rescue Amidst Massive Blaze in Reading City Center
In a heart-stopping incident today, a large fire erupted in a high-rise building on Station Hill in Reading city centre, leading to a daring rescue operation. Footage circulating on social media captured the scene, showing a worker stranded on the burning rooftop surrounded by flames and black smoke.
Emergency services, including the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police, rushed to the Station Hill development site after receiving reports of the fire at 11:38 am. The area was evacuated, with roads closed from Forbury roundabout to Forbury Road, Friar Street, and Friar West.
A spokesperson for the fire service stated, "Over 50 firefighters are at the scene alongside an Aerial Ladder Platform and Incident Command Unit. Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus are using two main jets to fight the fire."
Two individuals were rescued by a crane and subsequently taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for smoke inhalation, though their cases were not severe, according to the South Central Ambulance Service.
The rescue operation unfolded as onlookers observed a white cage being lowered down to the trapped worker on the rooftop. The worker swiftly entered the cage, which was then hoisted away by the crane. The crowd below erupted into applause as the person was safely rescued from the perilous situation.
Redwood Consulting, representing the Station Hill redevelopment project, activated their fire emergency plans immediately, stating, "The safety of those on site and the wider public is always our first priority, and the site has been evacuated as a result."
As emergency services continue to work at the scene, local residents and businesses are advised to avoid the area, stay indoors, and keep windows closed. The incident has not impacted train services, and Reading Train Station remains open. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
