Isle of Dogs: Roof at Montessori nursery collapses just hours after children leave

The roof of a montessori nursery in east London collapsed just hours after children left for the day.

The collapse at the Crossharbour Montessori Day Nursery in the Isle of Dogs happened just before 9pm on Thursday evening (June 15) while no one was in the building.

London Fire Brigade said the cave-in had been caused by a third floor roof higher up on the building falling into the second floor nursery.

A spokesperson said: “The Fire Brigade was called at 8.49pm and the incident was over by 9.38pm. No injuries were reported and no people were involved. One fire engine attended from Millwall fire station.”

Andrew Wood, a former councillor who runs a Facebook forum for the area, said: “It was one of the classroom areas, but fortunately the building was empty.

“There would have been serious injuries to staff and children if it had happened earlier in the day.”

Peter Golds, councillor for the Island Gardens ward in the Isle of Dogs tweeted: “Incident at Nursery School in Crossharbour this evening. The safety authorities attended and confirmed nobody had been hurt. Had it been during the day it would have been different.  Have sent full details to the council to ensure an appropriate investigation.”

Harpal Lakhan, director of Crossharbour Montessori Day Nursery told LondonWorld: “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.”

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.”