Building collapse in London : Falling masonry kills cab driver in storms

A minicab driver dies in central London after her car is crushed by falling masonry and a cruise ship passenger dies after the vessel is hit by a freak wave.

The 49-year-old driver, named as Julie Sillitoe, died and two other people were injured just after 11pm on Friday when part of the front of a building collapsed on to her car opposite Holborn Underground station in central London.

A spokesman for the Met said officers were called to High Holborn, opposite the Tube station, around 11pm to reports of masonry falling from the fascia of a building.

He said: “A front portion of the building had collapsed onto a Skodia Octavia car. The car was stationary at the time of the building collapse.

“Three people were inside the car. The 49-year-old female driver was pronounced dead at the scene.”

As well as police, the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade attended the scene, who helped rescue the car’s two rear passengers.

The spokesman said a 25-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman have been taken to hospital, and are reportedly in non life-threatening conditions.

The driver’s next of kin have been informed, police confirmed but formal identification has not taken place and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

Cordons are currently in place to secure the building and protect public safety, the spokesman said, and the road remains closed.

Motorists are being urged to avoid the area as it is likely to be closed for some time, he added.

Agencies/Canadajournal