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Two houses in south-west London have collapsed, reportedly during construction work to build a large basement.
The images show the terraced properties reduced to rubble after the incident in Durham Place, Chelsea.
Firefighters said two four-story properties that were under construction collapsed. A neighbor said the workers had been at the site “for a week” digging a basement.
Around 40 people were evacuated from nearby properties, but there are no reports of injuries.
Andrew Reeves, 58, founder of the property buying agency Totalis Prestige, was walking with his daughter to school in the rubble this morning.
He said: “The police closed the road and some builders were hanging around as the next door is under construction.
“They told me that about 40 people were evacuated from nearby residences. Fortunately, no one was injured.
“I noticed there was a builders sign that said ‘basements.’ Maybe this has something to do with the collapse?
“Having compared it to Streetview, it would definitely look like two houses.”
A neighbor told MailOnline: “There was only a big thud. I thought it was thunder, but there was only a thud.
“It wasn’t until the morning on the way to work that I saw that the building had collapsed. There were a lot of police and the road was sealed.
“The workers have been there for weeks digging a basement. I don’t think there is anyone on the property at the time, but it will be very expensive to fix.”
Firefighters said the four-story properties were under construction
/ Nick edwards )Homes in upscale Durham Place can sell for £ 16 million, but these properties are believed to be worth around £ 4 million.
Currently, three properties on the street are undergoing basement excavations, according to planning documents submitted to the Kensington and Chelsea council.
A property that appears to have been damaged in the collapse has plans for a gym / game room, media room, and study to be created in the basement.
London Fire Station Commander Jason Jones said: “There was a total collapse of the building from roof to ground level.
Police on the scene
/ Nick edwards )“The firefighters worked to make the scene safe and our drone team carried out a search.
“A police search dog also conducted an external search of the building and at this time there are no reports of injuries. It is believed that no one was inside the building at the time of the collapse.
“Local road closures will continue this morning.”
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 11:25 pm on Monday 2 November to report a building that collapsed in Durham Place, SW3.
“The occupants of neighboring properties have been evacuated as a precaution.
“At this time, there are no reports of injuries and it is believed that no one has been inside the building. Emergency services remain in place.”
This story is being updated.
