Ultimo construction site scaffolding collapse crushes cars

A multi-storey scaffolding structure collapsed onto Wattle Street in Ultimo, Sydney, during windy conditions on a Saturday evening. The collapse, which involved a section of scaffolding approximately 20 metres long and 10 metres high, crushed several parked vehicles. While the structure narrowly missed pedestrians, including a cyclist and a motorist, no injuries were reported.

This incident marks the second major structural failure at this specific construction site in recent weeks. Last month, a wall and roof collapse at the same location resulted in two men being seriously injured. The building, a former rehearsal studio, is currently being gutted to make way for a multi-storey mixed-use development and student accommodation.

SafeWork NSW has attended the scene and issued regulatory notices, including a prohibition notice to the site managers. Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed that the scaffolding was ripped from the wall, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the cause and ensure accountability for the repeated safety failures.