Demolition work begins on collapsed building

Demolition work has started at an Oldham building following after it collapsed.

The site, part-owned by Hollinwood councillor Kamran Ghafoor, caved in on March 24.

Three people were said to have been injured, with two treated in hospital, though nobody suffered life-threatening or life-changing injuries.
Around 40 people had to be evacuated from surrounding buildings. King Street has remained closed to cars for more than a week.

Demolition works will take two days, it is understood. Engineers say it’s ‘a delicate operation’ due to the building being adjacent to other properties.
Roads are expected to open later in the week once they are deemed safe.

The building, which was home to two tenants and the Euro King Mini Market shop, is part-owned by Oldham Group Coun Kamran Ghafoor and his business partner Sameer Zulqurnain under firm KKS Investors.

For a number of years, large cracks have been forming on the side of the building, sparking concern among locals.
The town hall confirmed concerns were raised with police and the council on March 1.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, along with a town hall building assessor, secured the area and investigated.

A council surveyor who attended the scene deemed the building in ‘no immediate risk’ of collapse, but recommended urgent repairs.
Cllr Ghafoor said his company brought in a structural engineer on March 2, the day after the fire service were called and following the report by the council surveyor.

Scaffolding was later put up on the side of the building. Cllr Ghafoor previously said he believed a combination of the scaffolding and strong wind may have exacerbated the issue.

Investigations into the collapse are ongoing.