Traffic was halted on a busy route in Ashton-on-Ribble as an uncontrolled collapse of a building took place into the road.
The former West’s carpet shop was being partially taken down by Sapphire Investment Properties Ltd during the past few weeks.
Proposals in December last year were lodged to turn the Lane Ends building into a café bar.
Read more: Enforcement action taken at St Joseph’s Orphanage demolition site after asbestos fears
Eyewitnesses described it as ‘a shambles and absolute carnage’ as the building collapsed.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene as a large digger worked to clear rubble from the road and appeared to continue the demolition work despite the collapse taking place.
Security fencing that had been erected along Blackpool Road at Lane Ends was flattened by falling rubble.
See footage below of the collapsed building or watch on YouTube
Preston Police had held traffic on Lane Ends when the collapse took place around 5pm on Wednesday (28 May). The road is now back open.
The plans lodged for the conversion of the building to a café and four apartments only included the demolition of a single-floor part of the existing building. It now appears the whole building has been demolished.
Blog Preston has contacted Preston Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Preston City Council for comment.
Pictures show the scene in Lane Ends during Wednesday evening
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