A coordinated effort involving London Police Service, London Fire Department, Middlesex-London Paramedic Services and the City of London is under way to recover the body of the individual who remains trapped following the partial collapse of the building at 555 Teeple Terrace. Because of the instability of the structure at this time, efforts are proceeding with caution to ensure the safety of teams working on site.
The Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) team had been called in and was able to assist the London Fire Department and other responders in determining the structure was not stable enough to initiate a recovery process without the use of heavy equipment. As a result, they are no longer on site.
Shortly before noon yesterday, part of a four storey building at this location collapsed, sending 5 people to hospital. Of those 5, one person is deceased. To respect their privacy and the privacy of their families, no further information will be provided about the status or identities of these individuals.
Based on the condition of the structure, recovery efforts could take some time. Updates will be provided as progress is made.